BrewsterConnections(PDF) - Brewster Academy

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Kim Ross, Bobcat Since 1987
Dean of Academic Support Programs
We’ve picked up the pace and accomplished a lot in the 25 years that I have
been at Brewster. When I first arrived at Brewster as a learning skills teacher,
the Learning Skills Program was in its early stages of recognizing the importance
of meeting each student’s individual needs. My previous school specialized in
working with students with learning differences, and I knew within the first
week that I could help bring about changes that would advance student learning
because it was no longer acceptable to have one lesson plan to reach all students.
A few years after my arrival, Dr. Alan Bain was hired as the learning skills director.
Brewster was moving toward a more intentional, researched-based set of
practices and the learning skills faculty would attend a two-week pre-Brewster
Summer Institute training session to prepare to pilot practices that would be
implemented systemically. This was the year that I stepped into the role of
dean of Academic Support Programs, and Dr. Bain moved to assist in a
whole school reform known as the Brewster Model. The changes were
very directive, prescriptive, and evaluative. It was the art and craft of each
teacher that had been valued and now the direction was swinging toward
the science being of higher value.
I played a role in helping to establish a clearly defined set of expectations
by which we functioned from the admission stage through graduation. On
top of mastering educational best practices, teachers were expected to
use laptops as a tool for sharing and managing information. The objective
was for all teachers and students to have equal access to educational
tools so that when skills are taught students can practice them using
interactive software that best matches their learning styles while increasing
engagement. Since that time, technology has advanced to leveling the playing
fields for students with learning differences, and its integration has made learning
more interesting and interactive.
Excellent schools look for innovation and change that is rooted in best practices
that support student-based outcomes. The Model seemed to be the road map
that would guide us toward advancing student growth and performance. It
appeared to have all the right ingredients, however, with change came growing
pains that caused us to step back and reflect on our path.
Recognizing the importance of supporting newly hired teachers as they
transition into the boarding school environment, I have worked to implement
a Faculty Mentor Program. Its purpose is to promote a healthy attitude and
outlook on the teaching profession while fostering professional standards that
are embraced by all faculty.
Many independent schools throughout the years have asked how we do what
we do and my first response is that we have established a systemic and holistic
approach that allows us to carry out
our mission to best serve students.
Our Instructional Support Program
has a long history of being one
of the strongest in the nation, because we have developed a fully integrated
approach to ensure students acquire academic, social, and emotional skills
necessary for success. We provide skills during individual sessions and then have
the student apply them in the classroom while we observe and provide feedback
necessary for change. I have been fortunate to work with so many talented
teachers who have become leading specialists in the field of education. There are
now 16 instructional support teachers, whose primary focus is supporting the
student to become an independent learner.
Brewster continues to stay on the leading edge in advancing students’ skills to
prepare them for success in college and the work place. As long as we remain
innovative, embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and stay true to our mission
then all students will grow with confidence and self-assuredness.
25 Years by the Numbers:
4,000 application folders read
400 student or faculty observations completed
102 independent schools have sought advice about
Brewster’s Academic Support Program
36 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012