The Learning Center

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Gateway's Academic Engine

Often described as “the academic engine of the school,” the Learning Center is available to all students who need additional support. This is accomplished through active collaboration and teaming with all faculty members and the provision of classroom accommodations and support for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans. The Learning Center also manages the process for identifying students who may need educational testing.

The Learning Center reflects Gateway’s philosophy that all students learn differently and the commitment to help a diverse body of students realize their full learning potential.

Learning Center Services

The Learning Center is staffed by the Director, Literacy Specialist, Learning Specialists and Paraprofessionals who provide many different services to students.

Support for Students with Learning Differences

Gateway Middle School believes in the inclusion of students with identified learning differences in the general education classroom.

We are qualified to support students with mild to moderate disabilities. Gateway does not currently offer Special Day Class (SDC). Specialized Academic Instruction is provided to qualifying students in the regular classes by Learning Specialists (Resource Specialist Program).

Determination of Eligibility for Special Education Services  

Gateway Middle School uses a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to identify students who require additional support and who may have learning differences.

  •  At any time during the school year, parents who have academic concerns about his/her child can request to meet with the Director of the Learning Center.
  • Our monitoring system ensures that students are achieving and meeting expected outcomes and those who need additional support are identified.
  • When a student is identified, the Student Success Team (SST) comprised of the General Education teacher(s), Learning Center Specialist and the Administrative staff (as needed), work together to discuss a student’s strengths, areas of concern, and to recommend interventions and accommodations that become part of an Action Plan.
  • A SST Case Manager is designated and ensures that the Action Plan is implemented and that results are tracked and analyzed for progress.The Student Success Team may meet again to adjust the action plan as necessary.
  • The Student Success Team may conclude that a referral to San Francisco Unified School District for a psycho-educational evaluation is appropriate. SFUSD conducts psycho-educational assessments and shares results with the IEP team. The IEP Team determines whether or not the student is eligible to receive Special Education Services.
Tutoring

The Gateway Tutoring program is a unique after-school academic support program for Gateway students who require additional support with homework and class work.Teachers work with small groups of students four days per week from 3:30-4:30pm and the Academic Support Coordinator also organizes volunteers to tutor students. Students can receive help in all subject areas including Math, Science, Learning Seminar, and Humanities.

Learning Center/Library Work Space

Our Learning Center (Room G08) is open until 4:15 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students have access to our library, as well as access to computers for assignments and printing. The Learning Center is also open before school (starting at 7:45 a.m.) and during lunch.

Testing Support

Testing accommodations are provided to students based on student need and in accordance with students' IEPs and 504 plans.

Technology

Students are able to use and access several computer applications that can enhance learning, honor the individual learning styles of the students, and help students approach academics in a more methodical, independent manner.