FAQ's

After thoroughly reviewing each student’s file of educational information sent from their previous school and submitted by parents and meeting with each parent at the fall parent-teacher conference every student is provided an accommodation plan at the beginning of each year and this information is reviewed regularly by the staff. The following academic interventions are components of the regular curriculum of Benton Hall Academy:

TEACHING STRATEGIES

• Test for mastery (pre and post)
• Curriculum modified for appropriate cognitive level
• Multimodal instruction
• Multimodal directions
• Examples of tasks to be completed
• Steps for completion of the tasks described
• Initial practice
• Independent Practice
• Group practice
• Peer tutoring
• Small group instruction
• Individualized instruction
• Flexible assignment time
• Enrichment

WRITTEN LANGUAGE

• Cursive or manuscript writing permitted
• Dictation of answers allowed
• Typed, computer-generated assignments accepted
• Copy of class notes provided if necessary
• Written assignments shortened
• Written assignments graded on the quality of content

HOMEWORK MODIFICATIONS

• Homework amount modified to provide successful completion in a reasonable time (½ to 1 hour)
• Parental monitoring of homework completion
• Homework assignment book/sheet

Children with learning differences require unique educational approaches to help them succeed in the classroom. One such approach is multi-modal or multi-sensory learning, which engages multiple senses to help children retain information and improve their overall learning experience.

Here are some benefits of multi-modal learning for children with learning differences:

• Improved Memory: Multi-modal learning engages multiple senses, which can help children with learning differences better retain information.
• Enhanced Comprehension: Using multiple senses to learn can help children better understand and process information.
• Increased Engagement: Multi-modal learning can make the classroom more engaging for children, which can lead to increased participation and motivation.
• Personalized Learning: Multi-sensory learning can be adapted to suit a child's individual needs and learning style, providing a more personalized educational experience.

At Benton Hall, we understand the importance of providing a supportive and effective learning environment for children with learning differences. Our team of educators incorporates multi-modal learning techniques into our curriculum to help each child reach their full potential. Reach out today to learn more about our approach and how we can help your child succeed.

Teachers work very hard to assess each student’s progress through both formative and summative assessments. Teachers are able to talk to students, gauge progress and read students' body language and behavior during class and have the flexibility to make adjustments on a daily basis.

In the lower/middle school, a red folder is sent home each day with a ‘Point Sheet’ that communicates behavioral information and a ‘Homework Sheet’ that communicates academic information. Also, parents have access to Sycamore Education which is our student management system. Progress reports are posted every 3 weeks and report cards are posted every 9 weeks. In addition, all teachers are readily available by e-mail and try to respond within 24 hours.

There are two scheduled parent-teacher conferences. One in September and one in March. Parents are able to schedule a conference with one or more teachers at any time during the year if needed.

All students take a math, reading, language arts, social studies and science class. They also take enrichment which varies from year to year but can include art, music appreciation, social skills, handwriting, and keyboarding. Recess and PE are provided on a daily basis. All students end the day with a study hall.

Electives may vary by year, but we have offered classes such as Art, Nutrition, Contemporary Issues, Computer Literacy, and Computer Applications. In addition, our Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to participate in a Work-Study Program where they can gain valuable job experience. We also assist students with dual enrollment for Columbia State and Nashville State.

We follow the Tennessee State Standards for all levels and all subjects.

Here are some of the types of materials and programs that we use in class:

Math:

Lower/Middle School

• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt GoMath

High School

• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Reading and Language Arts:

Lower/Middle School

• Holt McDougal Literature
• Glencoe Writer’s Choice

High School

• Scott Foresman Literature

Science and Social Studies:

Lower/Middle School

• Social Studies Weekly
• Science Weekly

All of our teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree. About half of our staff have 20 years or more experience in the classroom. All teachers are members of the National Association of Special Education and complete training sessions on a yearly basis in addition to in-school professional development and outside conferences and training.