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Here are a couple of excerpts from the latest Parent Press...
Message From the Principal
Mr. Ewing
Effective Programming
As many of you know, we have invested a lot of time and energy, and resources into improving our academic, behavioral, and social skills training programs. We have adopted several evidenced-based programs to facilitate student growth.
Currently we are using the SRA Direct Instruction programs to provide remedial instruction for students in the areas of decoding, comprehension, math, and expressive writing.
For students that are functioning on or above grade level we have purchased the PLATO Web Learning program. This program provides computer-based instruction and allows students to move at their own pace. During the first semester, we piloted this program with some of our middle and high school students in need of higher level math. This semester we have added science.
In order to address social skill deficits we are using the Skillstreaming program in the elementary classrooms and the Prepare Curriculum in the middle and high schools. Skills taught in the classroom are reinforced throughout the day.
We are collecting extensive student data and we are currently in the process of evaluating student outcomes in decoding and social skills. We will be sharing outcomes with you as they are completed.
To gain more information regarding the above programs please feel free to contact me directly at 610-873-4968 or view the following web sites:
Social Skills Update
Dr. Brosof
As you are welll aware, we have social skills classes two times per week. The goal of the training is to help your children learn behaviors that improve their social interactions with others and to remedy deficiencies in interpersonal functioning. The training typically focuses on teaching specific skills that are lacking in a child's interpersonal repertoire. Some examples of skills include: following directions, having a conversation, asking a question, negotiating, dealing with fear, using self-control, etc. The skills are broken down into steps and presented to the students. The teacher models the behavior and the students then take turns practicing the skills in different scenarios.
Our focus this year is on generalization of the skills. That is, some of the students learn how to use the skill in the classroom, but are still uncomfortable using it in real-life situations. Two strategies that will help the student use these skills more frequently in their own lives are: overlearning and positive reinforcement for evidencing the skill throughout the program, not just in the social skills classroom. Overlearning is the process of having the student become very easy and comfortable with the skill in the classroom. Positive reinforcement means giving positive feedback to the students when they demonstrate the behavior. We are just beginning this and will keep you posted on how we decide to reinforce the students demonstration of social skills!
What can you do? You can also help model and reinforce positive social behavior! We have a list of all 50 skills that we are teahcing and would be happy to share them with anyone interested. |
