Academics

Learning Support

The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program

The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program seeks to help all Hockaday students PK-12 reach their maximum potential. All students at Hockaday are welcome to receive help from The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program – whether or not they have a diagnosed learning difference. Ultimately, the department’s goals are to empower all students in self-advocacy, to assist teachers in the practice of differentiating instruction, and to support parents in their daughter's educational journey.

Learning Support by Division

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Lower School

    Early intervention based on the results of assessments:
    • Reading
      • Classroom Benchmark Assessments, Phonological Awareness, Skills/Content, Speech and Language, Spelling, Word Recognition, Fluency, and Comprehension
    • Math
      • Curriculum-Based Assessments, Skills/Content 
    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented learning challenge is present. Support for students with accommodations is provided according to student needs.
    • Academic Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and/or Speech Therapy 
    • Classroom Support
    • Lower School Learning Lab
  • Middle School

    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented learning challenge is present. Support for students with accommodations is provided according to student needs.
    Assistance in time management, organization, study skills, test-taking strategies, balancing of workload, and academic coaching.
    Working with our Middle School Learning Specialists, students can benefit from:
    • Learning to alleviate stress before testing
    • Learning to organize notes and homework to enhance memory and comprehension
    • Looking at their own learning through different perspectives
    • Strengthening reading and writing skills
    Transitional support in managing new courses and increased expectations for those new to Hockaday or moving up from Lower School.
    Together with advisors, teachers, and other support personnel, Learning Support can assist with:
    • Accessing and managing the digital platforms and programs used in classrooms
    • Learning to manage the rotational class schedule
    • Understanding classroom expectations and benchmarks
    • Understanding the trimester grading system
    Coordination and balance of workload for students experiencing an extended illness or injury
    Together with the Health Center, Learning Support manages students' academic return as they physically recover from:
    • Concussion
    • Extended illness or surgery
    • Health leave
    • Major injury
     
  • Upper School

    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented challenge to learning is present. Documentation is required and must be provided before accommodations can be considered. 
    • Classroom Support
      Support and monitoring of accommodations provided through general classrooms
    • Standardized Testing
      College Board and ACT accommodation requests and proctored testing for qualified students
       
    Assistance in time management, organization, study skills, test-taking strategies, balancing of workload, and academic coaching.
    Working with our Upper School Learning Specialists, students can benefit from:
    • Learning to alleviate stress before testing
    • Learning to organize notes and homework to enhance memory and comprehension
    • Learning to manage time effectively in study and homework
    • Strengthening reading and writing skills

    Transitional support in managing new courses and increased expectations for those new to Hockaday or moving up from Middle School 
    Together with advisors, teachers, and other support personnel, Learning Support can help facilitate or coordinate assistance with:
    • Accessing and managing the digital platforms and programs used in classrooms
    • Learning to manage the rotational class schedule
    • Understanding classroom expectations and benchmarks
    • Understanding the Upper School grading system

    Coordination and balance of workload for students experiencing an extended illness or injury
    Together with the Health Center, Learning Support manages students' academic return as they physically recover from:
    • Concussion
    • Extended illness or surgery
    • Health leave
    • Major injury


Contact Us

List of 8 members.

  • Photo of Shelley Cave

    Shelley Cave 

    Director of The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program
  • Photo of Heather Roseberry

    Heather Roseberry 

    Learning Support Coordinator
  • Photo of Gretchen Chrane

    Gretchen Chrane 

    Reading Specialist - Lower School
  • Photo of Leslie Gardiner

    Leslie Gardiner 

    Lower School Mathematics Specialist
  • Photo of Patrick Huett

    Patrick Huett 

    Middle School Learning Specialist
  • Photo of Stephanie Worcester

    Stephanie Worcester 

    Middle School Learning Specialist
  • Photo of Nelly Kaakaty

    Nelly Kaakaty 

    Upper School Learning Specialist
  • Photo of Jennifer Spradley

    Jennifer Spradley 

    Upper School Learning Specialist
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