Arlington Public Schools (APS) provides a continuum of services to all students, including those students experiencing attentional concerns or those that have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a complex condition that affects children, adolescents and adults, and is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. ADHD has broad implications in the lives of students and their families dealing with ADHD, including academic, social-emotional and behavioral concerns
The former Department of Student Services organized a task force to review best practices and the Arlington Public Schools’ service delivery to students who experience (ADHD) or attentional concerns in general. The task force included administrators, general and special education teachers, pupil services staff and parents. The committee reviewed current practices, made recommendations and provided staff development to assist teachers in supporting the educational needs of students who experience difficulty attending in the classroom. Parent education and support was also a focus of the task force. The task force created both a Mission Statement and a Strategic Plan, which continue to guide the work supporting students, staff and families..
ADHD Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve the academic achievement and the social, emotional and behavioral functioning of all students with characteristics of ADHD in Arlington Public Schools.
Parent Support
The Department of Teaching and Learning provides support for families dealing with ADHD or attentional concerns. The Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers parent education opportunities throughout the school year, including sessions addressing ADHD, executive functioning, and other related topics. The PRC also offers CHADD’s seven week Parent to Parent (P2P) training each year. P2P is an intensive, seven week course that provides educational information and support for individuals and families dealing with ADHD and learning to navigate the challenges of ADHD across the lifespan.To learn about current PRC offerings, please visit the PRC’s Event Calendar page. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Donovan or Kelly Mountain via email or by phone at (703)228-7239.
Additional Resources for Parents
APS Resources
- Department of Teaching and Learning
- Arlington Tiered System of Supports
- Office of Student Services
- Office of Special Education
- Parent Resource Center
- Intervention Assistance Teams
- Section 504
Community Resources
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home
- National Resource Center for AD/HD
Professional Development for Staff
The following four articles are excerpts from CHADD’s Educator’s Manual on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD): An In-Depth Look from an Educational Perspective, Copyright 2006, and are reproduced with CHADD’s permission for educational purposes only:
