The Success in Independence

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The Success in Independence

  • April 11, 2025
  • Posted by: Caitlin McCallum
  • Category: Wow Story
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~ written by Pam Bierbaum, LSEM teacher at St. James Lutheran School in Shawano, WI ~

I have served as LSEM resource teacher here at St. James for 3 years, this year being my first year full-time and working with students on both reading and math. I have been working with some of the same students for the duration of this time.

This fall, I set up an Education Plan for ‘Anna’ knowing that she has spent time with me for math, time with a reading LSEM instructor, and time with Title I for the past 2 years. She had been evaluated by the public school and encouraged to find helpful and appropriate services there. Her mom has been very involved with Anna’s plan and accommodations. She knows that we will do whatever we can to assist her in her academic need. Mostly, she chose to have Anna stay at St. James because she knows that she will learn about Jesus, be surrounded by faithful witnesses, as well as have the academic challenges addressed through nurture in her classroom and LSEM services.

Looking at her scores and success in the classroom, Anna has become independent and confident this year. She is now in fourth grade and really pushing herself to ask questions and ask for help. She is no longer requesting math accommodations or services and prides herself on doing it on her own. After many grueling exercises, songs and games, Anna has learned her multiplication tables with help from her mom over the summer. Anna is now consistently pushing herself to do better; no longer intimidated by special resources and the questions of her classmates. She now has only limited accommodations and is finding the classroom much more comfortable.

I have recently set up a meeting with mom to discuss withdrawing her plan and allowing her the freedom to find success independently as she moves to the upper grade classrooms. She is excited for this change and feels empowered to accomplish great things on her own.

It has been a tremendous joy for me to be a part of this journey!!  I have been in education for over 20 years, and my work with LSEM has been some of the most rewarding.