The Wilson Language program is recognized by the IDA to deliver excellence in the Structured Literacy approach for students who experience unusual difficulties learning to read.
The Wilson Language program offers three Structured Literacy programs: Fundations, Just Words, and Wilson Reading System. Fundations and Just Words can be provided in the classroom setting, while Wilson Reading System is delivered via small group instruction with 4-6 students.
The Briarwood School uses each of these Wilson Language programs to meet the unique learning needs of our students with language-based learning differences.
Focused Intervention Time (F.I.T.) is an opportunity for Lower School students to receive additional instruction in an area that is challenging for them. All Lower School students attend a F.I.T. class during the school day that is intended to address their area of greatest academic need, whether that be decoding, math, or writing. Students are able to attend all of their regular classes in addition to F.I.T.
In our Middle and Upper programs, students are placed in Reading Remediation Classes.
Briarwood Learning Labs and Homework Help. For an additional fee, students can receive either an extra academic support class (a FIT class) or homework help from a Briarwood teacher on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Homework help is also available from the Extended Care staff Monday through Friday after school.
Mastery is a monitored, structured study hall that is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons following the academic school day. Any student is welcome to work and receive general assistance from the proctor in the Learning Lab.
Tutorial Appointments can be scheduled with individual teachers for individual or group tutorial assistance.
While Briarwood is not a therapeutic setting, the support of our students in all aspects of their educational experience is essential. School counselors play a critical role in fostering the well-being of students and families, and in building a positive school culture and climate.
The Counselors work strategically to promote student success. In addition to working directly with students, the Counselors partner with parents, faculty/staff, administrators, and professionals in the community.
M.A. - Social Work, Specialization in Child and Youth, Louisiana State University
B.S. - Social Work, Louisiana State University
M.Ed. - Counseling, Sam Houston State University
M.A. - Social Sciences, California State University at Fullerton
Students diagnosed with learning differences often present with a language disorder, a cognitive communication disorder, and/or a social communication disorder. Speech sound disorders and phonological disorders can also increase the risk for academic and social-emotional difficulties.
At The Briarwood School, the Speech and Language Department is composed of highly trained, licensed, and certified Speech-Language Pathologists who specialize in the understanding of the vast language literacy network and executive function skills. Screenings, evaluations, and individualized therapy services are able to be provided during the school day. Our department provides individual and small group treatment one to four times weekly, both in and out of the classroom.
M.A., Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2005
B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, 2002
M.C.D., Communication Disorders, LSU Medical Center, 1995
B.A., Pre-Professional Speech Pathology, Louisiana Tech University, 1994
ADDCA Associate Certified Coach, 2023
M.S., Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Arizona, 2002
B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, 2000
M.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Dallas, 1999
B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, 1997
M.A., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, 2014
B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, 2012
M.A., Communication Disorders, University of Houston, 2000
B.A., Communication Sciences and Disorders, Baylor University, 1997
The Briarwood School is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and equitable learning experience for our students.We value the diversity of the community and will continue to celebrate, engage, reach and retain as well as explore differences in experiences based on, but not limited to, racial, socioeconomic, gender, age, country of origin, culture, sexuality, physical ability, and religious diversity amongst our staff and students. We promote acceptance of learning differences and disabilities and celebrate the many positive experiences and viewpoints that diversity brings to our school community in all of its forms. Our respect for diversity is reflected in our mission, programming, community involvement, admissions, and hiring practices.