6410 South Dante Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-324-1020 Fax: 773-359-0506
Mcdermott-Doyle Program
McDermott-Doyle Program Statement
Mount Carmel High School has a history of developing each student’s unique potential for learning so that he will develop the needed skills to prepare for his journey after high school. In 1992, consistent with this philosophy, Mount Carmel established the McDermott-Doyle Program. The program, named for two notable MC alumni, Frank McDermott and Patrick Doyle, and designed to meet the needs of students with mild learning disabilities/differences who have the potential and desire to succeed at the college level or in a skilled profession. In the past, these students had very few opportunities to experience a Catholic school education.
Today, through the efforts of three full-time resource teachers, whose responsibilities are fully directed toward assisting the students who qualify for the program, such an opportunity exists. Enrollment is limited to maintain a 5-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Students are enrolled in Mount Carmel’s regular college preparatory program with one exception- foreign language. Students taking a McDermott-Doyle resource class receive approximately 200 minutes of resource instruction per week. This class, and inclusion in the program, is flexible based on the needs of the student. Many young men spend one to three years in the program, and some remain for the entirety of their high school career. This decision is based on the student’s record of academic success in the classroom and demonstration of independence.
McDermott Doyle Student Success
The success of McDermott-Doyle students is linked to a number of factors. First and foremost is the willingness and the determination of the student to work hard. Second, parental support is a key factor. Third, students are expected to cooperate with classroom teachers and follow the rules and policies of Mount Carmel High School. When a student follows these guidelines, he is typically quite successful. While not all graduates of the McDermott-Doyle Program pursue college, many have attended, and graduated, from four- year institutions, including Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Loras College, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, St. Norbert’s University, Carthage College, Miami (OH) University, and the University of Illinois
Modifications to Curriculum
With the exception of waiving the requirement of studying foreign language, no curricular modifications are made for McDermott-Doyle students: they must meet the same standards as any student at Mount Carmel. No extra time is given for projects or papers, and all assigned homework is to be completed at the time the teacher indicates. As a college prep school, Mount Carmel adheres to the guidelines established by colleges/universities which offer support to students with learning disabilities.
The Program is designed to Provide a program for students who meet the following criteria:
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Average or above intelligence (as assessed by educational and psychological testing)
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Previous need for intervention or specialized instruction/support
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Difficulty or delay in processing
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Shorter attention span
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Work habits and motivation that demonstrate the potential to success in a college preparatory program
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Received less than 400 minutes of support and services in grammar school
Adjunct Students
Adjunct students are students who receive accommodations because they have submitted documentation (IEP, 504, ICEP, Private Eval), but do not demonstrate the need for a full resource period. Accommodations vary based on diagnoses. Given that we do not see these students on a daily basis, we rely on them to use their accommodations as needed. They must have some self-advocacy skills and awareness of their limitations.
Benefits to the McDermott Doyle Program
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Serves broad range of academic levels
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Transition plan from grade school to high school
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Entrance exam accommodations (when documentation is provided)
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Testing center (for adjunct and resource students)
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Small resource class sizes
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Access to McDermott-Doyle resources for one class period per day (200 minutes per week)
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Accommodations for standardized testing
Program may not be a good fit for students with more than 400 minutes of services. Program is not designed to serve students with primary diagnosis of BD or ED.
