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It's April and that means it's CAASPP season 😖 Even with accommodations, my struggling students with dyslexia tend to find CAASPP testing exhausting, frustrating, and stressful. (NOTE: The most stressful accommodation can actually be extra time, as then the testing stretches on and on and kids have to miss either instructional time or recess/lunch to finish.) Send this message to your school’s principal to respectfully opt your child out of state testing. You may also choose to specify why you're opting out, but this is not required.
I am writing to inform the district that my child, _________________, will not be participating in the 2023 CAASPP Testing (ie. marked as a refusal). I would love details of the school’s plan for children who will not be participating in the testing, ex. where they will go during testing time, so I can communicate this to _________________. Thank you.
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Well, it's official: Greater Sac now officially has more non-traditional school options that my old home, the East Bay Area! This month I got to take private tours of Fusion Academy and Acton Folsom, two newly opened private schools in Folsom. Both are excellent options for students that learn differently. I'm happy to answer any questions about my tours-- email me at [email protected] or leave a comment!  Fusion Academy Folsom (Grades 6-12) @ Palladio Parkway Fusion is an amazing option for learners with dyslexia! Located in the Palladio shopping center, the school building features many small tutorial rooms; mini versions of rooms you'd find in a traditional school, like an art room, a science lab, and a dance studio with a barre; and a large atrium area where students have lunch and gather for events. Classes are offered 1:1 or via project-based small groups. For 1:1 classes, learners and their parents can request specific curricula. (I asked if dyslexia-specific programs can be used as "English class" curricula- I will update this post when I hear). All aspects of learning are personalized including assignments, pacing, and grading. They also offer internships for high school students (for credit) and the ability to take classes at Folsom Lake College. The school does not have support staff trained in dyslexia however outside therapists/interventionists are welcome to meet with students on campus during the school day and students' needs are easily accommodated in classes because everything is individualized. The cost of private school is a concern for many local families so I was excited to hear that students can attend Fusion part time ex. some students attend just for one subject and attend their local public school for all other classes (dual enrollment for credit). Part time enrollment brings the cost of tuition down substantially. They're also offering a Founding Families scholarship and a New Student Grant for families enrolling a student full-time that were referred by a professional in the community-- so mention me! Note: I asked if they may add elementary grades. No plans to do so yet-- but I highly encouraged it 😝  Acton Academy Folsom (Grades K-5; K-8 for 2023) @ Sibley Street
Acton schools are very popular in the Greater Sac area and now Acton Placer (Roseville) and District Christian Academy (Acton-based school in EDH) are being joined by Acton Folsom. The school is currently inside The Bridge Community Church which borders a public park, so students have access to a large play structure, a grassy area, and tennis courts. Here's the school's daily schedule. The Acton school day involves self-paced reading instruction on Lexia, self-paced math instruction on Khan Academy and other e-programs, and social studies/science lessons based on student interest. Similar to Montessori and Waldorf, there are no tests or homework, classrooms are mixed-grade, and a large emphasis is placed on critical thinking and hands-on learning. Students attend from 9:00-3:15 Monday through Friday-- because of this, the school is considered an "enrichment" vendor by South Sutter Charter School. Outside interventionists are also welcome to work with students 1:1 during the Acton school day. |
AuthorNatalie Powell, ET, C-SLDS Archives
March 2023
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