Academic Support

Grier’s academic support program includes Learning Skills classes and Student Tutoring. The program uses a multi-faceted approach to best support students who have struggled academically in other settings. While the support program does keep abreast of the latest research and trends, best practices — rather than passing fads — dominate Grier School's approach to empowering students with the tools needed to close gaps and improve skills. At all times, students benefit from the best practices that suit their specific educational needs.

Our program allows students to participate and thrive in Grier School's college-preparatory classes without any sense of stigma. Additionally, the team-approach allows for seamless communication between all concerned parties, further ensuring success. As a testament to this approach, many students advance out of this program by their senior year, confident and prepared for success in their future academic endeavors.

Empowering Students to Learn

Learning Skills

This course is for students still developing organization or study skills or for those who need additional personalized instruction in specific subject areas, including, but not limited to math, science, social studies, and language arts. Class size varies from one to three students per teacher. A Learning Skills class is scheduled daily for participants in the program and does not replace any other classes but rather complements them. Students in Learning Skills receive weekly comments on Thursdays from all of their academic teachers. These comments, detailing the past week's performance, are posted online in the Grades & Comments section of myGrier. The Learning Skills teachers also serve as the liaison for a student's team of parents, teachers, and administrators.

Any student who enrolls in Grier and has a psychological evaluation will have an Education Plan written for her. Each of that girl's teachers, her parents, and the student herself will receive a copy of the Ed Plan which lists the classroom modifications recommended by the psychological report.

A typical Learning Skills class uses direct instruction in a small group setting during every class period. The Learning Skills teachers help students through difficulties that may arise in the process of completing homework assignments. Additionally, basic skills are emphasized as a student learns to take effective notes, outline, write research papers, and prepare for tests. Organization skills throughout all areas of a student's daily life are emphasized. Ultimately, the desired outcome of our Learning Skills class is for students to develop the techniques and self-confidence that will help them succeed and no longer need academic support.

Participation in Grier's Learning Skills Program involves an additional fee per semester.

Student Tutoring Program

There is a study hall period for all students every evening, Sunday through Thursday. During this time, many students study in their rooms or in the library. For students requiring a more structured study hall experience, the Student Tutoring Program offers additional academic support in the evening hours. It is in these small groups that students work on academic projects, essays, and nightly homework under the supervision of one of our Student Support teachers.

Participation in the Student Tutoring Program involves an additional fee per semester.

Pennsylvania Act 195 Information

State legislation authorizes the purchase of instructional materials by the Secretary of Education to children enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 in non-public schools. We use this grant to purchase, library and classroom materials and equipment.

In order to participate in the program, a parent/guardian of each child attending a non-public or private school must individually request a loan of instructional materials and equipment. Use the Act 195 Form link to complete this request.

Faculty

List of 2 members.

Jeanie Gerber

Learning Skills Department Chair

Bio
Jeanie Gerber is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where she majored in Special Education. She is well-versed in deciphering the various IEPs that need to be maintained for a few Grier students each year. Her manner is quiet, yet persistent, giving her students a steady support in their Grier School work. She has organizational skills that are exemplary so her students are urged to follow her example.
Shelly Davis

Teacher

Bio
Shelly Davis received her B.S. and M.S. in Special Education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. She has taught students with learning disabilities and emotional differences in both the Middle School and High School levels. In the early 90s, Shelly coached women's basketball at NIU. In addition to teaching Learning Skills classes, she is a seventh and eighth grade class advisor. Shelly enjoys teaching lessons on study skills and test-taking strategies. She is married to Professor Todd Davis, who teaches for Penn State University and they have two sons, Noah and Nathan.

A Look at Grier's Student Tutoring Program
3/23/2021
During the dedicated study hall period each evening Sunday-Thursday, many students complete their school work from their dorm rooms, but some students participate in Grier’s Student Tutoring Program, which provides a more structured study hall experience.

Headed by Modern Language instructor and ESL Department Chair, Mrs. Marie Shaffer, the program provides small groups of students with classroom spaces to work under the supervision of a Student Support teacher/tutor.
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Spotlight on Learning Skills: Meeting a Wide Variety of Needs
11/12/2018
Classes offered by Learning Skills teachers are one component of Grier’s multi-faceted approach to ensuring individual academic success. When enrolled in Learning Skills classes, students receive individualized instruction in small group settings or even one-on-one. The students that benefit from Learning Skills are varied in their backgrounds, strengths, and challenges. From the youngest Grier students to those preparing for college and beyond, Learning Skills teachers are there each step of the way.
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Focus on Learning Skills
7/19/2017
Thanks to the support of a generous donor, the Learning Skills facilities, a part of Grier's multi-faceted Academic Support program, recently received an update designed to increase student motivation and academic performance.
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