Awsaj Academy focuses on learning challenges at Annual Conference

Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, hosted today its second Annual Conference on Teaching Students with Learning Challenges.

The conference offered workshops that highlighted the programmes and approaches used at Awsaj Academy to help struggling learners in Grades 1-12 succeed academically and behaviourally.

The workshops included overviews delivered by two US-based guest presenters who act as Awsaj consultants. Janet Fender spoke about ‘Explicit Direct Instruction’ techniques, while Tricia Berg discussed ‘Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports’.In addition,various briefings, including one on ‘Inclusion and Tier Interventions’, were offered by AwsajAcademy Presenters.

In his session entitled Leading Change in a School, Awsaj Academy Elementary Principal Jason Smith emphasised the challenges that many school leaders face,saying, Sometimes school leaders know that change needs to be implemented, but don’t know the best way to implement change. The leadership workshop focuses on how to implement change and ensure that this change is effective and sustainable.

During the Strategies for Arabic Language workshop, MrsRaja’a Shalabi, the Arabic Curriculum Coordinator at Awsaj Academy,presented her audience with a variety of frustrating and difficult activities to mimic what students with learning challenges face on a daily basis when they are presented with such activities. She then went on to discuss reasons why a student might get frustrated, and provided parents and educators with strategies for dealing with such emotions.

Mrs. Suad Al-Kindi, Deputy Director of Awsaj Academy, stated that the conference was a huge success considering the number of attendees and the topics covered. She also stressed the importance of the partnership with ORYX GTL, the conference sponsor, and its value in promoting the academic growth of both students and educators through the funding of various academy activities and projects. Over 200 participants attended the conference, representing more than 30 schools. 

Awsaj Academy serves students with learning challenges in grades 1-12.They are tutored in small classrooms with no more than ten students per group. Teachers use evidence-based instructional practices to meet the individual needs of students,with additional support provided as needed.