General Information, Philosophy & Objectives

The Optimal Learning Program (OLP) offers students with mild learning differences an equal opportunity to excel in the classroom. By providing the necessary accommodations students are empowered to reach their academic potential. Curricular modifications are not provided at ACS Athens. The OLP provides three levels of support: (1) OLP Classroom, (2) OLP Consultation, and (3) OLP Individual Support Plan (ISP). Whether a student is enrolled in OLP Classroom, OLP Consultation or OLP ISP is determined by the Child Study Team (CST). Students in OLP Classroom and OLP Consultation receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), while students in ISP receive a shorter and more condensed document for faculty member use. Please read below for further information on the process of receiving OLP support at ACS Athens, and on the type of support provided by the OLP Specialist and OLP Aide.

Extended Course Description: The Process of Enrollment in OLP

Entering this program begins with a student's referral by a classroom teacher or parent. The Child Study Team (CST), consisting of the school’s Principal, the K-12 Clinical-Psychologist, the Counselor(s), the OLP Specialist and the OLP Coordinator, determines which programs offered by the school will most effectively meet the student’s needs and provide opportunities for them to reach their potential. The OLP Specialist works closely with faculty members to differentiate the student’s curriculum and adjust his/her learning experience to suit his/her individual needs.

A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, which are administered by in-house, or non ACS Athens based psychologists, must be completed prior to enrollment in OL. Based on the findings and subsequent report, standards are set according to the individual needs of the referred student. Effective strategies are developed by the OLP Specialist and are then shared with all teachers working with each particular student. Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities are incorporated within the student’s curriculum in order to complement various learning abilities. Students can enroll in the OLP only after a full battery of psycho-educational assessments has been completed and submitted to the school.

Extended Course Description The Support Provided

Once the OLP Specialist has reviewed the assessment report, effective strategies are then developed and subsequently shared with all educators working with the particular student. The OLP Specialist provides ongoing support and guidance to the faculty members to assist them in properly supporting the student’s abilities.  Collaboration is established among the entire team and valuable tactics are adopted to assist students in maintaining success within the classroom. 

The OLP also uses an inclusion type model as a support service for students who need monitoring in their regular content classes. The OLP Inclusion Specialist, Academy OLP Specialist, OLP Aide enter the content classes with the student to provide on the spot assistance. The OLP Specialists communicates and meet regularly with members of the faculty and ensure the support plans are in place.