Signum Fidei Pathway

In the fall of 2011, La Salle established an academic track for students with moderate diagnosed learning differences.

We named this pathway Signum Fidei, which means "signs of faith."

This pathway is designed to serve students with learning differences who desire a faith-based education but who require support to address their educational goals. With an individualized curriculum and instruction, small student/teacher ratios, regular on-going learning assessments, and research-based literacy interventions, La Salle’s pathway philosophy embraces each child’s unique strengths and gifts and also provides a flexible, mobile, and dynamic program of study.

The Signum Fidei Pathway allows students to immerse themselves into La Salle's diverse community while also participating in a more sheltered and structured experience in the core classes. Students in the Signum Fidei Pathway share elective and extra-curricular opportunities with the greater student body but are enrolled in small English, math, and science courses. The curriculum, pace, and scope in these core classes may be modified to provide for the diverse learning needs of the students in the class, allowing La Salle to remain responsive and flexible for each child.

The Pathway model also includes support classes, peer assistants and tutors, individual lessons with our Instructional Coach, and before/after school homework help. La Salle maintains a partnership with North Clackamas School Districts to provide testing, eligibility, and services.

Enrollment in the Signum Fidei Pathway occurs through the regular admissions process.

Please contact Brian Devine, Vice Principal of Student Life, at bdevine@lsprep.org.

Signum Fidei incorporates the Lasallian core principles

Inclusive Community
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Quality Education
Faith in the Presence of God
Respect for All Persons

Program Features

Specialized instruction
Small student/teacher ratios in core classes
Regular on-going learning assessment
Research-based literacy interventions
Case Management of an Individualized Service Plan
Transition Planning
Fulfills Oregon Diploma requirements

Additional forms for applicants to the Signum Fidei Pathway:

Student Profile

Students in the program have a variety of abilities and learning challenges. We look at each student’s skills and abilities to determine if La Salle can meet his or her needs.

Students’ learning differences include, but are not limited to:

Dyslexia,
ADD/ADHD
Asperger’s Syndrome
Tourette’s Syndrome
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Auditory processing disorder
Visual processing disorder
Communication disorders
Executive functioning disorder
Nonverbal learning disorders
Other health impairments.

We are not able to support the needs of students with emotional or behavioral disturbances.

Peer Support

Peer tutoring is offered for students in Signum Fidei before school daily and after school Monday through Thursday in the Signum Fidei Learning Center.

Students receive assistance on homework from upperclassmen and have access to computers.

Results

Signum Fidei graduates are productive, well-prepared citizens. They will demonstrate mastery of core concepts and exhibit citizenship with a dedication to serving others and their community.

Graduates pursue a variety of post-high school options, such as getting a job, studying at a 2-year or 4-year college, or entering a trade school.

Matthew Shedlock is the Lead Teacher and Assessment Coordinator for the program. Matt earned his Master of Education in School Counseling and Education Specialist in School Psychology degrees at Seattle University. Matt has strong experience as a teacher, counselor, and in the development and implementation of responsive intervention series, test coordination, accommodations coordination, and assessment analysis for learning differences. Matthew teaches 9th and 10th grade English as well as 11th grade Economics and Government to students in Signum Fidei Pathway.

Tiffany Arnold earned her degree in Psychology from Michigan State and was a registered social worker. She later graduated with a Master’s degree in Special Education from Lewis and Clark College. Tiffany has been a high school teacher and taught several subjects and also has worked as an autism specialist in New Zealand.

Renee Giesemann earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver, and a Specialist in School Psychology degree from Winthrop University. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and has been working with students in the Signum Fidei Pathway since 2012. Counselors at La Salle provide the full range of counseling services to students including support in the following areas: personal/social, academic, and post-secondary planning.

Shawn Kelly ‘05 graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a B.A. in psychology. He worked for Cascadia Behavioral Health as a mental health and behavioral counselor, where he assisted in coordinating and implementing treatment plans in a residential setting, and worked as a behavior and social skills trainer. He also has volunteered as a middle school instructional assistant.