Raskob Day School
Mission
Raskob Day School is a co-educational school for students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds with language-based learning disabilities. Raskob seeks to recognize and nurture the talents and strengths of each student while remediating areas of academic weakness through individualized curriculums and multi-sensory teaching approaches. Raskob’s safe and nurturing environment fosters the academic and social growth of each child. By participating in Raskob’s program, students experience success and recognize themselves as learners.
History
Raskob Learning Institute (RLI) was founded in 1953 by Sister Eileen Cronin as a clinic that provides one-to-one remedial education to students with learning disabilities. As such, RLI is one of the oldest programs for individuals with learning disabilities in the United States. When Raskob started it was known as a program that trained teachers throughout the country in its innovative approach. It was also a site for research in the field. Over time the focus of the RLI shifted from research and training to primarily providing direct services. In 1973, Raskob Day School (RDS) was established with an entering class on four students and was licensed by the State Department of Education as a Nonpublic School (a school that can receive placements and funding from public school districts and must comply with regulations regarding teacher credentialing and state education codes).
Raskob Day School and Holy Names University
Raskob operates as a division of Holy Names University (HNU). We are fully integrated into HNU, and Raskob students and staff benefit in many ways. Raskob students enjoy the use of HNU's pool and gym, and receive tutoring from University students in their "First Year Experience" program. Currently all candidates for certification in the educational therapy program complete internships at RLI and many go on to acquire employment at the clinic. Holy Names University also provides qualified teaching assistants through their undergraduate and graduate education programs. In addition, teachers are able and encouraged to continue their professional development through the University's generous tuition waiver.
Who we serve
The Raskob Day School is appropriate for students who have average to above average academic potential, but are underachieving at their current schools. Raskob operates an elementary school for students up through grade 5 and a secondary program for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Committed to the academic, social and emotional well-being of our students, we encourage the development of strengths and talents while remediating academic areas of weakness. The Raskob Day School program is designed to meet the needs of the learning disabled student through a highly individualized academic program that incorporates one-on-one instruction and small group experience. As a result, Raskob’s curriculum operates on multiple levels from remedial to advanced. Raskob is committed to the development of self-directed learners who understand their disability and how it impacts them in a variety of settings. Raskob encourages applications and admits students from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Our program is designed for students who:
• are of average to superior intelligence
• have difficulty with decoding, spelling and writing
• have difficulty with math calculation and reasoning
• have well developed problem solving skills
Our program may be appropriate for students who have:
• non-verbal learning disabilities
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Tourette Syndrome
• hearing or visual disorders
Our program does not meet the needs of students who have:
• moderate to severe emotional or behavioral issues
• academic delays resulting primarily from visual, hearing, or motor handicaps
• Autism
• Pervasive Development Disorder
• Developmental Delays
Educational Program
The school day is from 8:30 to 3:00 with a minimum day on Wednesdays for staff in-service and training. The school year consists of 180 days of instruction. Raskob serves students from 3rd through 8th grade. Classroom assignments are based on age, grade, academic level, and social functioning to ensure that students feel comfortable yet challenged in their studies. Each classroom is staffed by a teacher and aide allowing for an average student-teacher ratio of six students to one adult. Raskob prides itself on its outstanding, talented and qualified teaching staff, who are all highly trained in diagnostic and prescriptive teaching. Typically they possess a Masters in Special Education and a Special Education Credential. Secondary teachers also have training and experience in their content area. In addition, a variety of experienced instructors teach enrichment classes including art, music and physical education.
While Raskob’s curriculum follows the California State content standards and frameworks, age appropriate material is modified to accommodate diverse learning styles. A multi-sensory approach within the small group setting enables students to master grade level material in spite of academic deficits. Recognizing diverse learning styles, Raskob’s curriculum integrates the kinesthetic, auditory and visual modalities. Raskob carefully tailors its program to meet the needs of each student. Highly structured and appropriately paced material provide students with ample opportunity to grasp, review and master concepts.
As Raskob’s focus is academic remediation, the majority of the day is spent on the development of reading, writing, spelling, and math skills. Raskob does not adhere to one particular methodology as we understand that each student’s strengths and challenges best inform therapeutic instruction. Raskob’s reading curriculum is centered around a variety of approaches including direct instruction based on the Orton-Gillingham Principles including the Wilson Reading System and the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program. Raskob has chosen the Saxon math program, along with other instructional materials that have a simple format and plenty of structure and review. In addition, History/Social Studies and Science are important parts of the curriculum and explicit instruction in organizational and study skills is integrated into all disciplines. Students at all levels are provided daily social skills training within their homeroom period to encourage self-awareness, self-regulation and overall well-being as well as physical education classes. At all levels, Raskob students receive a quality education as well as intensive remediation.
Elementary Program
At the elementary level, classes are self-contained. Spending most of the instructional day with their classroom teacher, students are able to address their academic goals with minimal distraction and transition. Students do however travel as a class to participate in physical education and art enrichment classes. Progress is reported quarterly using a simple grading system and narrative reports.
Middle School Program
The middle school includes 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Students are grouped by ability in Math and Science and reading writing and history classes for maximum remediation. For the core curriculum classes (Math and Reading), students are grouped into mini clusters for highly individualized instruction whereas in Science and Social Studies group instruction is employed. In addition to core academic classes, middle school students participate in daily homeroom where social skills are explicitly addressed as well as daily physical education classes and weekly arts seminars. Grades are based upon performance within a modified curriculum.
Additional Programs and Services
The following services and programs are offered to Raskob Day School students onsite by highly qualified professionals. Their cost is not included in the tuition.
After-School Program
An after-school pogram is available to all Raskob students. The program runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:15- 5:30 and on Wednesday from 2:30-5:30. Supervised homework study and an expanded sports program are also offered.
Clinic Program
The Clinic offers year-round, individualized Educational Therapy in all subject areas to students who may need supplemental academic support. Clinicians collaborate with the classroom teacher so as to best support a student in the application and transfer of skills.
Psychological Services
Group and individual counseling from a licensed clinical psychologist is available. If the specific psychological service that is needed is unavailable, referrals will be made.
