Although final classroom placement is determined by Candace Chappell, M. SPED., academy coordinator; Cheri Stevenson, M.S., CCC-SLP, director of operations; and Tammy Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP, executive director, ACCESS teachers and therapists have input on student placement. Placement decisions are based on students’ abilities, teaching methods used in each classroom and students’ age.

Student Abilities

When considering classroom placement, the placement team considers intellectual abilities (full-scale IQ, memory and processing speed), academic performance (measured by a testing battery), classroom performance (level of instruction needed for reading) and language abilities.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods used in each classroom influence placement. Students are assessed on whether they need small group versus large group instruction, whether they have independent study skills and which teaching methods are used in each classroom. (For example, a classroom may use The DuBard Association Method® more intensively than another; factors such as this determine whether a classroom is the best learning environment available for a potential student.)

Student Age

Although the Academy classrooms are not primarily grouped by student age, age is still a determining factor. Student birthdays, social maturity and peer groups are taken into account when determining placement.