The Learning Specialist at the Waldorf School of Atlanta not only identifies and addresses concerns about learning and behavior among individual students, but the role also melds the mainstream understanding of educational support with the Waldorf understanding of child development therapeutically and pedagogically.
When concerns are identified regarding a student’s learning or behavior, the first step is for the parents and class and specialty teachers to discuss the student’s developmental, academic, and social growth. Suggestions are shared on ways to work with the child in the classroom setting including a change of seating, tutoring, learning games, assistance with organization and study skills, and alternative or extended assignments. If the student still seems to be struggling, a parent or teacher may request support from the school’s Learning Specialist.
The Learning Specialist will observe the student in the classroom, and may recommend an assessment, or further classroom or home accommodations. A learning assessment will provide a picture of the child’s learning modality, as well as physical, visual, and auditory development. Reading, writing, and math abilities will also be evaluated, according to grade level. Class and specialty teachers, Learning Specialist, and parents review the findings of the assessment and discuss a Student Action Plan. The Student Action Plan incorporates remedies both within the home and school, as well as possible outside evaluations or therapies that will enable the student to reach his/her full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Learning Specialist maintains a comprehensive professional referral list of tutors, therapists, psychologists and others who support children in their development and learning.
Our Learning Specialist is
Michelle Cumming.
Michelle Cumming
Michelle Cumming was born in Beaver Run, Pennsylvania and attended Waldorf schools in both Toronto and Denver. She received her BFA in design for theatre from Florida International School, graduating cum laude, and attended Masters classes at Penn State University. Michelle worked professionally in both film and theatre for several years before being called to the teaching profession. She received her Masters in Educational Support at Sunbridge, and taught as a class teacher for five years. Michelle has worked with several Waldorf schools, providing student assessment and establishing student support guidelines and programs. In addition, she has participated in clinical observations at Miami Children's Hospital and The Children's Therapy Place, as well as given several workshops on child development. Michelle is greatly interested in art, theatre, and the cultural diversity of travel.
