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Learning How to Learn
At Besant Hill, we believe in an inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. To this end, we offer two types of academic assistance. First, rather than modifying lesson plans, we accommodate different learning needs to maintain the integrity of our college preparatory curriculum. Our faculty are well-versed in implementing accommodations such as extended time for assessments, breaking down larger tasks into manageable units, and the use of assistive technology. Second, we offer robust support in executive functioning through our Instructional Support Program.
“We’re really grateful to have the opportunity to send two children to Besant, each with polar opposite learning styles, temperaments and interests. Besant Hill is a wonderful environment that can really meet every student where their individual strengths are.”
Gilden, parent of Alev ‘23 and Eero ‘25
The Instructional Support Program (ISP) is a specialized program designed to teach students who they are as learners and how to discover their unique path to academic success. Through the teaching of metacognitive strategies and executive functioning skills, students:
- Learn about their individual learning profile
- Develop a growth mindset and learn strategies that will help them to achieve success in school
- Receive instruction in organization, time management, self-advocacy, note-taking and study skills
Students who enroll in ISP receive class credit just as they would for any other class offered at Besant Hill.
“I discovered that self advocacy was much more than asking for academic support. It was about understanding what I needed. Knowing how to express using my voice appropriately in the classroom and with peers.”
Izzy C. ‘25
Learning How to Learn
At Besant Hill, we believe in an inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. To this end, we offer two types of academic assistance. First, rather than modifying lesson plans, we accommodate different learning needs to maintain the integrity of our college preparatory curriculum. Our faculty are well-versed in implementing accommodations such as extended time for assessments, breaking down larger tasks into manageable units, and the use of assistive technology. Second, we offer robust support in executive functioning through our Instructional Support Program.
“We’re really grateful to have the opportunity to send two children to Besant, each with polar opposite learning styles, temperaments and interests. Besant Hill is a wonderful environment that can really meet every student where their individual strengths are.”
Gilden, parent of Alev ‘23 and Eero ‘25
The Instructional Support Program (ISP) is a specialized program designed to teach students who they are as learners and how to discover their unique path to academic success. Through the teaching of metacognitive strategies and executive functioning skills, students:
- Learn about their individual learning profile
- Develop a growth mindset and learn strategies that will help them to achieve success in school
- Receive instruction in organization, time management, self-advocacy, note-taking and study skills
Students who enroll in ISP receive class credit just as they would for any other class offered at Besant Hill.
“I discovered that self advocacy was much more than asking for academic support. It was about understanding what I needed. Knowing how to express using my voice appropriately in the classroom and with peers.”
Izzy C. ‘25
Individualized Support
The program is designed to offer students individualized instruction in executive functioning strategies. Organization, time management, prioritization of work, and self-advocacy are the foundation of this program. Additionally, study skills, strategies for note-taking, reading comprehension, and written expression are taught. Students are then guided to apply these strategies to their coursework.
ISP Faculty-Supported Study Halls
ISP study hall is held Sunday-Thursday evenings in the ISP room, which offers a separate location with limited distractions for studying. The study hall is proctored by Besant Hill Faculty so students are able to receive additional academic subject support at this time.
Assistive Technology
Students are introduced to various assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech through Google Read and Write to facilitate academic learning. ISP students receive instruction in the use of this technology and the application of the technology to their academic learning. Further, faculty are able to guide students to use this technology in their classes as appropriate.
Individualized Support
The program is designed to offer students individualized instruction in executive functioning strategies. Organization, time management, prioritization of work, and self-advocacy are the foundation of this program. Additionally, study skills, strategies for note-taking, reading comprehension, and written expression are taught. Students are then guided to apply these strategies to their coursework.
ISP Faculty-Supported Study Halls
ISP study hall is held Sunday-Thursday evenings in the ISP room, which offers a separate location with limited distractions for studying. The study hall is proctored by Besant Hill Faculty so students are able to receive additional academic subject support at this time.
Assistive Technology
Students are introduced to various assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech through Google Read and Write to facilitate academic learning. ISP students receive instruction in the use of this technology and the application of the technology to their academic learning. Further, faculty are able to guide students to use this technology in their classes as appropriate.
Individualized Support
The program is designed to offer students individualized instruction in executive functioning strategies. Organization, time management, prioritization of work, and self-advocacy are the foundation of this program. Additionally, study skills, strategies for note-taking, reading comprehension, and written expression are taught. Students are then guided to apply these strategies to their coursework.
ISP Faculty-Supported Study Halls
ISP study hall is held Sunday-Thursday evenings in the ISP room, which offers a separate location with limited distractions for studying. The study hall is proctored by Besant Hill Faculty so students are able to receive additional academic subject support at this time.
Assistive Technology
Students are introduced to various assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech through Google Read and Write to facilitate academic learning. ISP students receive instruction in the use of this technology and the application of the technology to their academic learning. Further, faculty are able to guide students to use this technology in their classes as appropriate.
LEVEL I: COMPREHENSIVE
- ISP class 3 days per week to strengthen executive functioning
- Two nights of required ISP study hall
- Creation of Instructional Support Plan
- Bimonthly parent communication
LEVEL II: INTERMEDIATE
- ISP Class 3 days per week to strengthen executive functioning
- Optional ISP study hall
- Monitor Instructional Support Plan
- Monthly parent communication
LEVEL III: TRANSITIONAL
- ISP class 1 day per week to strengthen executive functioning and two independent study periods
- Strategies to assist in the transition to college for seniors
- Monitor Instructional Support Plan
Tanya McCreary Ardoin
Director of Instructional Support Program
“The Neuroscience of learning is the foundation of my praxis. Here at Besant Hill School, the application of Mind, Brain, and Education science pedagogy is valued, so that students can internalize the habits of Mind to become self-motivated, goal oriented, and lifelong learners.”
tmccrearyardoin@besanthill.org
(805) 646-4343 Ext. 139
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
contact@besanthill.org
Tel: (805) 646-4343
Fax: (805) 646-4371
