An Integrated Approach to Academic Support
Proctor’s Learning Skills program operates as a wholly integrated academic support system that directly serves more than one third of the student body, while positively impacting every Proctor student and teacher. Part of Proctor’s DNA as a school since the 1950s, Learning Skills nurtures positive working relationships with students. Utilizing the application of comprehensive academic coaching methods and the direct instruction of executive functioning skills, Proctor’s academic support program empowers students to become strategic, resilient, self-aware lifelong learners.
Proctor’s approach to academic support through Learning Skills does not emphasize the remediation of weaknesses.
Instead each student gains greater self-knowledge as an effective learner, capitalizing on personal strengths to achieve academic success in challenging coursework. The goal for each student is academic independence, self-awareness, and confidence gained through real-world success.
Learning Skills Program
- 2:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
- 3-4 Class meetings a week
- Individualized academic coaching and skills instruction
- Academic Skills Credit and Effort Grade
Learning Skills Independence (LSI)
- 2:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
- 2 Class Meetings a Week
- Individualized academic coaching and skills instruction
- Academic Skills Credit and Effort Grade
- *LSI is an available option after the 1st year of Learning Skills as students seek to transition out of program.
Learning Lab
- 4:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
- 3 Class Meetings a Week
- Small Group setting
- Academic Coaching
- Moderate Level of Academic Support
- Identify Priorities and Establish Goals
- Academic Skills Credit and Effort Grade
Measuring and Tracking Student Growth:
- Student Learning Profile
- The Initial Report: Setting Goals
- Interim Report: Tracking Progress and Reestablishing Goals
- Final Report: Assessment of Growth and Roadmap for College
Student Learning Profile
The Initial Report: Setting Goals
Interim Report: Tracking Progress and Reestablishing Goals
Final Report: Assessment of Growth and Roadmap for College
Academic Support Resources
Proctor’s approach to integrated academic support extends beyond the Learning Skills Program to other resources on campus.
Beyond Proctor: Academic Support and College
Over the past decades, we have been tracking the success of former Learning Skills students as they embark on their post-Proctor journey. The results are impressive as College Counseling Director Michael Koenig observes, “The roster of colleges attended by former Learning Skills students essentially mirrors that of non-Learning Skills students. The skills they have gained at Proctor—academic independence, personal confidence, self-awareness and self-advocacy—are life-long skills, and shape our graduates' success in college and in their professional careers.”
Common Academic Accommodations at Proctor:
- Extended time for assessments (50-100%)
- Option to take assessments in the Learning Center to benefit from movement breaks; a quiet, distraction-free setting; option to verbalize while problem-solving; monitoring/support for pacing and test anxiety; and reading questions aloud.
- Audio support for the reading process, including the use of audio books and text to speech software.
- Computer/iPad usage for essay writing (including on assessments), in-class note-taking; access to dictation software.
- Use of a calculator and/or Desmos application for math assessments (in accordance with Math Department policies)
Testing Accommodations
Proctor’s Learning Skills Department facilitates access to assistive technology and arranges for accommodations on classroom-based and standardized tests, such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP Testing, for those students who meet the eligibility requirements. Reach out to Proctor’s Nonstandard Testing Coordinator, Wendy McLeod with questions.
Meet Proctor’s Learning Specialists
Integrated Academic Support
