All children are capable of learning. It is imperative children be offered a diverse approach to learning.  Many children learn differently and at different rates. One way Nativity is able to accommodate them is through:

Nativity Learning Lab

Nativity’s Learning Lab was developed 9 years ago to better accommodate today’s learner. Extra help, Academic Intervention Services, 504 plans, IEP’s, make-up tests, and many other services are carried out through the lab.

When a child comes, (or is sent) to the lab for extra help, different approaches are taken to help the child learn. Some of these students are referred to as “At-Risk.” Since the learning lab works with small groups of children, they receive more individualized attention. The lab acts as a collaborative resource with the students’ teacher.

Another function of the Learning Lab is to provide Academic Intervention Services. According to state regulations, schools must provide services to all students who have scored below a certain level on standardized state tests. One of the main intervention tools is a software package called Success Maker. The Reading component reinforces concepts and skills to address a variety of instructional needs within the five major components of reading for K-5 students. The mathematics course enables teachers to give one-to-one support to a wide spectrum of K-8 students who have difficulty with grade-level math concepts. Behind it all, the powerful Learning Management System provides on-demand reports for quickly assessing progress by classroom or student. Records are kept, and consistent services must be provided in order to help a student achieve the learning standards of New York State. 

The lab is also used for students who have 504 plans. This is an accommodation plan which is written at Nativity for those children who have been tested by a professional, and need something which cannot be provided in the classroom. 504 plans and IEP’s  “level the playing field” for the student. The lab is used to carry out accommodations such as extra time on tests, rephrasing directions, separate location for tests etc. 

The lab also acts as a liaison between Orchard Park Public Schools and Nativity. Orchard Park School psychologists come to Nativity for any student whose parent or teacher has requested testing be done. All paperwork and meetings are coordinated through the Learning Lab. As a result of the testing, Boces comes directly to Nativity to provide the services for any child who qualifies through an IEP (Individualized Educational Program). Most of the time, these services are on a 1-1 basis. In other schools, the group of children being serviced at the same time can be up to 4 or 5. These services provided by BOCES can include OT (Occupational Therapy), PT (Physical Therapy), Speech, Resource Room etc. The Learning Lab also carries out any testing accommodation a child has on an IEP.

In addition, the lab is used for all make-up tests K-8, and as a quiet area for students who need to complete any independent work.

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