Our Academic Coach, Asya, remarks on the importance of recognizing special education in HIT this Autism Awareness Month.
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS serves 9th-12th grade students in the Anacostia region of Washington, DC. The High-Impact Tutoring program allows students to receive additional instruction in small group settings throughout the week. Students in these tutoring groups have diverse educational needs. Without trained adults in schools, students with special needs can suffer from a lack confidence, struggle with communicating their ideas, or need extended time. Students with autism are at risk of having their needs ignored. To raise awareness and better support students with special needs, TMA has been celebrating Autism Awareness Month. The purpose of TMA’s Autism Awareness month is to ensure all adults on campus are equipped to be able to support the diverse educational needs of all its students.
Autism Awareness Month
When tutoring, we’re coached by teachers, administrators, and OSSE to best meet the needs of our students. With April being Autism Awareness Month, much of our recent training has been about serving students with special needs. We’ve learned about the history of the diagnoses, advocacy groups, best practices for classroom instruction, and more. Much of this learning has been via newsletters sent out by members of the Wellness Team at Thurgood Marshall Academy. This team includes their counselors, social workers, psychologists, dedicated aides, and health teachers. Our first few newsletters highlighted the first autism diagnosis (only 82 years ago!), why numbers are rising, and factors that prevent families from seeking out a diagnosis. High-Impact Tutors are in a position to help students with special needs receive the support that they need to thrive.
Recognizing Special Education Needs in HIT Tutoring
High-Impact Tutoring offers small group and one-on-one instruction, allowing for benefits for students with special needs. Lana Learn commits to providing all students with equitable educational access. Being aware of students’ needs are paramount for educational equity. Here are just a few benefits that students receive from HIT tutoring that are especially helpful for students with special needs:
1. Individualized Attention
- Tutors can offer more individualized attention to students, adapting lessons in real-time to suit their learning pace, strengths, and challenges.
- This helps with addressing specific IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals more effectively.
2. Tailored Learning Strategies
- Tutors can customize teaching methods—visual aids, hands-on activities, multisensory techniques—to match the student’s unique learning style.
- It’s easier to integrate accommodations (like extra time or alternative formats) consistently.
3. Safe and Comfortable Learning Environment
- Students often feel more at ease in small group settings, which can reduce anxiety or distractions and improve focus.
- It also builds trust, which is crucial for students to feel comfortable enough to learn effectively.
I am grateful for the Wellness Team’s dedication to spreading awareness and empowering educators to better serve all our students. I’ve committed to learning more about supporting students with special needs so that I can help them achieve their educational goals.