The Achilles Project
A Postsecondary Educational Program for the Twice Exceptional (2e) Student
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."- Albert Einstein
Mission: To develop and improve the potential recognized in [self-esteem, academic performance, and behavior of] 2e [twice exceptional] students and help define their career direction.
Achilles is famous both for his talent as “the greatest warrior of Greece” and for his vulnerable spot, his heel. Had his contemporaries focused on his area of weakness, he never would have developed his great skill.
Each 2e student is like Achilles, a high potential individual with areas of weakness. When educators see and develop the potential rather than allow the weakness to mask it, that student can make extraordinary contributions to society.
The Achilles Project has been designed to develop the potential recognized in 2e students at NCC through identification tools, appropriate educational programming and counseling techniques.
What is the program?
Uses Holistic Approach
- Meets academic & social-emotional needs
- Teaches to student strengths while supports areas of weakness.
Social-Emotional Component
- Counseling to address unique needs & career issues
- Social skills workshops
- Peer Mentoring
- Student Support group
Academic Component
- Individualized curriculum
- Strength-based instruction
- High-interest subject & optimal learning style
- Differentiated instruction
- Faculty mentoring/Research projects/Internships
- Supports for areas of weakness
- Tutoring
- Seminars in organizational & study skills and test anxiety strategies
- Faculty teams
- Small classes enhanced for students with different needs
| 10 - 13 credits | |
| Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| Psychology Honors (strength area) | 3 credits |
| Computer graphics (visual-spatial learning) | 3 credits |
| Math with academic support | 0-3 credits |
| English with academic support | 0-3 credits |
*Remedial courses (0 credits) count as credits for financial aid and health insurance
Why is this program needed?
The Achilles Project is designed to improve the self-esteem, academic performance, and behavior of 2e Students and to help define their career direction. It will benefit participants— both in their academic performance, and transition to the workplace and society. By developing these students' previously overlooked talents, the program serves as a societal resource for scientific/technological advancement and cultural enrichment. Data show that when the environment provides gifted individuals with the types of support they need, their contributions are likely to be extraordinary. It is with pride and confidence in both the program and its students that NCC offers the Achilles Project.
NCC provides appropriate educational programming for our increasing number of 2e students. A recent study reported an increase of twice exceptional at the college level. Two-year colleges are the "typical postsecondary pursuit" of youth with disabilities, youth on the autistic spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) and OHI (including Tourette's Syndrome). Faculty report that NCC is enrolling increasing numbers of 2e students with LD , ADD, and ED.
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