Support Net

At Emerson, we provide support for our children at every level.

The Emerson Intervention program is organized to support the work of the classroom teacher. Students who may need additional academic, behavioral, and/or social support are identified by teachers through a process of assessment and observation. The Emerson intervention team, which consists of the reading, resource, full inclusion teacher, and speech teachers, meets to plan appropriate interventions based on the specific needs of the identified students. Intervention groups are arranged and taught by teachers and staff both during and after school.

Common interventions include:

  • One-on-one and small group Reading Recovery
  • Small groups focused on reading, writing, and math
  • Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) groups
  • Speech and language groups and English Language Development and social groups.

Regular assessments monitor the progress of the intervention groups throughout the year and intervention work is coordinated with classroom work.


Like all elementary schools in Berkeley Unified School District, Emerson is an Inclusion school, which means our community includes students with many types of needs.

Emerson has two dedicated special education teachers, one for mild-to-moderate cases, one for moderate-to-severe cases. Our students are supported by skilled and caring Instructional Aides and other specialized staff. The special education team works closely with classroom teachers.

The special education staff is also integrated in Emerson's Response to Intervention.

Emerson's Special Education Staff members

Berkeley Unified School District Department of Special Education