About attention deficit hyperactivity disorder & how students are affected

A neurobiological attention issue, ADHD can cause students to have great difficulty in school, especially in traditional settings. Kids with ADHD may act without thinking and may have trouble focusing; they often understand what’s expected of them but have trouble following through because they can’t sit still, pay attention, or attend to details. Three primary subtypes of ADHD are recognized:

Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (often referred to as ADD)

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type (ADHD)

Combined Type ADHD (symptoms of inattentiveness & hyperactivity)

Although the exact causes of ADHD aren’t known, research supports a strong genetic connection. In fact, many parents discover they have ADHD after their children have been diagnosed, as they recognize the symptoms and resulting behaviors in themselves.  ADHD symptoms can appear very differently from one person to the next, however.  In all cases, though,  ADHD impairs a student’s ability to function in various aspects of the his or her life—socially, academically, at home. The good news is that kids with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their attention issues; many even learn to use the positive aspects of ADHD to their advantage.

According to Dr. Clare B. Jones, renowned leader in the field of ADHD, it’s vitally important for a school environment be supportive and accommodative of students with ADHD, since school is such a big part of a child’s day. The Jones-Gordon School goes a step further—our school is designed for students with ADHD and other learning challenges.

“Distractibility: a condition with which [those with ADHD] live, a particularly troublesome one given a culture that appears bent on aggravating it.”

—Nancy Ratey, recognized ADHD expert and author

Why JGS works for kids with ADHD

Typical Arizona classrooms today are crowded, chaotic, noisy, and full of distractions; a less than ideal environment for any child, but even more so for students with attention challenges! With high executive functioning expectations and teachers who are often not well-equipped to manage the needs of students with ADHD, it is not surprising that these students often struggle in traditional schools — even with IEPs and 504 plans in place. JGS was created by professional educators in response to the need for accommodative, supportive schools for kids with ADHD and other learning differences. Our curriculum and educational philosophy is founded on researched-based programs proven to help students with attention issues succeed academically.

At JGS, we recognize that, in addition to the challenges that accompany an ADHD diagnosis, there are also many strengths typically associated with ADHD. Many people with ADHD are very creative, highly energetic, able to hyper-focus at times (especially when something is of high interest), and possess the ability to think “outside the box.” We celebrate these as well as individual strengths, instead of forcing children into a “one-size-fits-all” educational model.

The Jones-Gordon School approach is ideal for students with ADHD: Our small class sizes and low student-teacher ratio allow for differentiated learning and fewer distractions. Classrooms are uncluttered but contain the necessary cues and tools to help students learn various skills. The school day incorporates executive function skills, which teach students how to learn more effectively and efficiently. Strategy-based learning allows students to create a tool-box of skills to draw from; students learn strategies to increase working memory, to manage time more effectively, to set goals, to read with greater comprehension, and to write with fluency. Students also benefit from a FLEX hour each day to address academic needs particular to each student. Our highly-qualified, nurturing teachers and staff members receive regular training in new educational approaches so that each student is able to learn in the manner that is most appropriate for him or her. Finally, students receive on-going social and emotional skills support to help them develop – in an encouraging, supportive small-group setting – the skills most important for successful interactions with others. Students with ADHD gain confidence, and are empowered to succeed!

JGS provides:

• Small class sizes
• Individualized instruction
• Strategic learning in academic areas as well as an emphasis on executive function skills
• Hands-on, experiential learning experiences
• Structure, routine, and goal setting
• Opportunity for movement while learning; alternative seating & “fidgets” to increase concentration
• Emphasis on social & emotional learning
• Clear academic and behavioral expectations; customized token economy positive reinforcement/reward system
• Recognition of students’ strengths, encouraging positive school experiences and increased self-esteem
• Integration of technology to enhance learning & increase student engagement
• Caring, experienced, and understanding teachers & support staff who “get” ADHD