Our Curriculum

Instructional Model

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is a method used within programs based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. The idea is to take a skill and break it down into its component parts, teach each part and then build back up to the larger skill. A single "trial" consists of an instruction, the student's response, and the consequence (which depends on whether the student got the response correct or incorrect). This would count as one "trial." Since the trial is quick there can be many repetitions throughout the day so the student will receive lots of practice while learning this skill. Each staff member will teach the skill in the same way. If the student is not progressing with a certain skill, we look at how we are teaching it and make changes, we change the environment around the student so it works for them, rather than expect the student to conform to the way we teach. We can use this method to teach a wide variety of skills in a variety of settings. Staff collects data on each trial throughout the day. We then graph the percentage of trials that had correct responses to evaluate progress over time. There has been extensive research done on using DTT with children with autism and other disabilities and it has been shown to be highly effective. We can individualize the way we use DTT for each student and each skill. The data analysis allows us to know whether our instruction is effective right away. DTT can be embedded within a curriculum lesson plan, a play activity, or be used in a structured way sitting at a table with a student. 

Smith, T. (2001). Discrete Trial Training in the Treatment of Autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 16, 86-92. 

academic curricula

READING CURRICULUM

The Edmark Reading Program uses a highly repetitive word recognition method combined with errorless learning and based in ABA principles. This approach eliminates incorrect responses and helps students view themselves as readers. Edmark Reading uses many research based instructional strategies including errorless learning, positive reinforcement, use of manipulatives, oral and sight word vocabulary, controlled vocabulary stories, social skills enrichment, and continuous progress monitoring. This program can also be utilized with students who use sign language or AAC communication.

Unique Learning System Reading is a one‑of‑a‑kind solution designed specifically to help students with special learning needs master their state’s extended standards. From one convenient, cloud‑based platform, educators deliver differentiated, standards‑aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tools, and evidence‑based instructional support. Students from pre-K through transition have the advantage of consistent, high-quality instruction, a motivating interactive learning environment, engaging symbol support, and a path to independence.

McGraw Hill Reading Wonders empowers readers and writers to take an active role in learning, exploration, and expand their world through literacy. This evidence-based K–5 ELA program provides students with unparalleled opportunities for student-friendly self-assessments and self-expression through reading, writing, and speaking. From foundational skills to extended writing, and from establishing a strong classroom culture to setting learning goals, every student deserves high quality instruction at the right moment in their education, resulting in strong educational outcomes. By experiencing diverse perspectives and sharing their own, students will expand their learning. Best-in-class differentiation ensures that every student has opportunities to become strong readers, writers, and critical thinkers

MATH CURRICULUM

TOUCHMATH® is a multisensory math program that makes critical math concepts appealing and accessible for students who struggle to understand grade-level content. Touchmath materials build on Common Core State Standards, uses a multisensory and engaging approach, and has instructional scaffolds driven by student needs and allows students to work at their own pace. Touchmath also has programs to address real-world math applications including time and money concepts.

Unique Learning Systems Math provides math instruction while ensuring standards accountability with explicit, teacher‑led, multimodal Math Courses are followed. These courses are differentiated, giving students additional resources for increasing math competence and achievement. We implement research- and evidence-based instruction in foundational mathematics aligned with both state and NCTM process standards. Game‑based learning helps students activate and build background knowledge and explore math concepts and tools, while developing vocabulary and modeling using a problem-solving approach. Automatic data collection allows you to more effectively and efficiently remediate and accelerate student math learning with prescriptive assessments.

McGraw Hill My Math is built around the Standards for Mathematical Practices, McGraw-Hill My Math engages students with the focus, coherence and rigor required by state standards. The program has an intuitive lesson format and digital tools to develop customized content. Digital accessibility with any device help you to plan, sequence, and deliver instruction that works best for your students anytime, anywhere.

SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Science A-Z provides comprehensive science units that include lessons, informational texts, and hands-on activities across four scientific domains (life, earth and space, physical, and process science). Units contain differentiated content and flexible instruction to meet all student needs.

WRITING CURRICULUm

Handwriting Without Tears is a developmentally appropriate, multisensory handwriting instruction for all learning styles. It includes new, innovative materials and strategies that evolve with standards. The curriculum follows research based strategies of how children learn best and includes materials that address all styles of learning.

Building Writers assist with writing skills development to make students more fluent writers in the areas of narrative, information, and opinion. Building Writers includes structured practice to build core writing skills, developmental approaches to writing, customizable writing templates to fit with any topic, builds confident communicators and improves overall communication skills, and practical applications of handwriting skills.

Functional life Skills

The Functional Independence Skills Handbook, or FISH, is a material used for determining a person's ability to perform certain functional activities from daily life. It was developed for special education teachers, paraeducators, and parents working with individuals with severe developmental disabilities. The outcome of the program, when successful, is a direct increase in personal independence in those with autism, intellectual disabilities, and related disorders.

FISH contains (a) an assessment instrument that can assist the professional in determining goals for future educational or developmental training programs for a person with developmental disabilities and (b) sample lesson plans with teaching technique examples for each item evaluated. The assessment directly relates to the accompanying curriculum. The gaining of information for the test often provides more parent or related discipline involvement. If used for pretraining and follow-up skills assessment, this material may be helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of an educational or rehabilitation program in providing clear accountability for teaching efforts. Administrators are drawn to this program because student progress is visually observable.

Although targeted toward people with developmental disabilities, this program would also be beneficial for children in the early grade levels or anyone with cognitive deficits, school age through adult. It is a criterion-referenced series of 421 tasks. The assessment instrument and lessons are organized according to seven domains: Adaptive Behavior Skills, Affective (or Emotional) Skills, Cognitive Skills, Sensorimotor Skills, Social Skills, Speech and Language Skills, and Vocational Skills. FISH has a structured curriculum which is sometimes lacking in programs for developmentally disabled persons. Completion of this instrument should result in a list of skills that the person can perform independently. Family members and caregivers will appreciate their roles becoming easier.

Social and Emotional Skills

Zones of Regulation is a systemic, cognitive behavioral approach used to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete colored zones.  The Zones framework provides strategies to teach students to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts. By addressing underlying deficits in emotional and sensory regulation, executive functioning, and social cognition, the framework is designed to help move students toward independent regulation.  The Zones of Regulation incorporates Social Thinking® (www.socialthinking.com) concepts and numerous visuals to teach students to identify their feelings/level of alertness, understand how their behavior impacts those around them, and learn what tools they can use to manage their feelings and states.  

SuperFlex Many children (with and without diagnoses) have difficulty regulating their behavior. Superflex provides a fun forum in which they can explore their challenges and identify ways to modify their thoughts and behavior in different settings. Depicting behaviors as cartoon characters (a.k.a. the Unthinkables) helps students learn about their own behavior in a non-threatening way. Superflex empowers and motivates students to self-regulate—reducing meltdowns and anxiety as students develop their own inner superhero. Children with diagnoses who respond well to Superflex teachings often have autism levels 1 and 2, ADHD, social communication disorders, and others.

Everyday Speech is a social learning curriculum that includes research based video modeling, developmentally sequenced skills, and generalizability of skills across environments. Video modeling teaches a full array of social competencies to improve school adjustment, cope with the ever-changing social environment, navigate emotions, make informed social decisions to solve problems, and understand prescribed social rules.