Educational support is a broad category that includes services, resources, and guidance aimed at helping students thrive academically. This support can be provided by school programs, family involvement, and online platforms.
Anna York, a Franklin teacher, offers insight into the differences between IEPs and 504 plans. She notes that a 504 plan only provides accommodations, while an IEP also includes student-specific modifications.
Teachers
Teachers are guiding lights in students’ journeys, shaping their understanding of the world and unveiling its possibilities. They encourage goal setting and build resilience, as well as ensuring students have the support they need to thrive in challenging circumstances.
Instructional continuity depends on education support staff, who provide educational guidance to students when lead teachers are occupied with administrative tasks or managing classroom disruptions. These support professionals ensure that valuable instructional time is not wasted by repeated interruptions or ineffective instruction.
Educators can also provide support to their students through school programs and community partnerships. For example, schools can offer counseling services, as well as provide resources for families to address student mental health concerns at home. Teachers can also offer emotional support by providing tutoring or mentoring, and by cultivating strong relationships with students to understand their individual needs. This support helps students feel empowered to overcome challenges, boosting their confidence and motivation. It also improves student outcomes by increasing their focus and retention.
Parents
Parents can provide education support by fostering a love of learning at home and by providing a safe environment that encourages school success. They can also help their children with their homework and by encouraging them to ask for assistance. Parents can also support their children by attending parent-teacher meetings and by staying in regular contact with teachers.
Open communication between teachers and parents helps both parties better understand a student’s interests, strengths, and areas that may need further support. In turn, this helps educators design more personalized instruction.
Schools could not function without the hardworking, dedicated education support professionals who work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. These are the people who greet students on the bus, take care of their meals, and clean their classrooms. They deserve a compensation package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, retirement savings options, and paid time off.
Community
The community is a powerful resource that can provide education support in various ways. From social and emotional support to financial assistance, the community can help students navigate their educational journeys.
Community involvement is a two-way collaborative process that promotes partnership between schools and communities. It fosters meaningful partnerships and creates a supportive network that benefits students, teachers, families, and the community as a whole.
The role of the community in education is increasingly recognized as a vital component of student success. It provides students with the resources they need to succeed and fosters a positive learning environment. Whether through family involvement, community programs, or online platforms, the community can make a significant impact on the education system. This support can be in the form of tutoring, study groups, counseling services, or scholarships. Students who are surrounded by a supportive community are more likely to engage in their studies and feel confident in their academic abilities.
Online
Many students are accustomed to using technology on demand in their personal lives and expect the same level of accessibility from online student services. In fact, some students consider the availability of quality online student services as a key factor when selecting an institution.
Fortunately, colleges can use their existing resources to provide education support to online learners. This includes student success coordinators who provide virtual one-stop shop access to campus services, from paying fees to registering for classes and academic advising. They can also connect students to study groups, tutoring centers and online learning communities.
In addition, students can seek help with technical difficulties from the college help desk. This is especially important for asynchronous learners who may not be able to visit the campus for technical assistance. Providing visible locations where they can seek help can make all the difference in their collaborative experiences. Moreover, proactively reaching out to struggling online learners with encouragement and motivation has been shown to have a positive impact on student persistence.