Collaboration at Oakwood
Oakwood School serves elementary and middle school students with language-based learning disabilities in the northern Virginia area. Our 50+ year history of specialized instruction means we understand the impact of collaboration on individual student growth and achievement.
Keep scrolling to learn more about our student-centered approach and our team teaching model.
The Team Teaching Model (and why it works)
At Oakwood, students are assigned to a homeroom or team. Each homeroom has approximately 7-13 students and two teachers. Homeroom groups are carefully curated based on students' age, grade level, and learning level to ensure cohesive alignment.
Every team is a part of a cohort (2 or 3 teams working together). Cohorts are subdivided into small groups for specialized instruction with each teacher working with a group of 3-6 students to optimize learning.
- Reading, Written Language, and Math happen in small groups
- Social Studies, Science, and Specials happen in Teams
- Field trips, assemblies, and school activities happen by Cohort
Student-Centered Program (and how we do it)
At Oakwood, we put each student at the center of the conversation among an integral team of adults focused on individual growth and achievement.
- Family & Friends
- Classroom Teachers
- Outside Professionals & Providers
- Academic Team & School Administration
We rely on key insight and feedback from families to support students during the academic day. Every week, cohort teachers meet with the Academic Team, a leadership group of former teachers and administrators. These meetings focus on lesson planning, student growth, and assessments, ensuring consistent communication and optimal student support.
Supporting students at their instructional level and setting them up for achievable challenges is the "Oakwood magic" when it comes to confidence and skill growth. It's why we spend so much time building classes and groupings carefully.
- Erin Morgan, Academic Supervisor