ID-MOD Classroom Syllabus 

Welcome

Welcome to our ID-MOD (Intellectual Disabilities–Moderate) classroom! Every child is unique and capable of learning. Our classroom provides a structured, supportive, and engaging environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, behaviorally, and functionally. Instruction is individualized to meet each learner's strengths, needs, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Classroom Philosophy

We believe that every student deserves meaningful learning experiences that promote independence, confidence, communication, and lifelong success. Through evidence-based instruction, positive relationships, and collaboration with families, students are empowered to reach their highest potential.

STAR Autism Support Curriculum

Our classroom uses the STAR Autism Support Curriculum, an evidence-based program for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Instruction includes structured lessons, visual supports, communication and social skills, functional academics, adaptive living skills, and ongoing progress monitoring. All instruction is individualized, data-driven, and aligned with each student's IEP goals to promote independence and skill generalization across school, home, and community settings. 

Focus Areas

Instruction focuses on developing skills that support independence and lifelong learning.

Core instructional areas include:

• Functional Reading

• Functional Mathematics

• Communication Skills

• Social Skills

• Adaptive Behavior

• Daily Living Skills

• Executive Functioning

• Fine and Gross Motor Development

• Behavior and Self-Regulation

• Community Awareness

• Independent Living Skills

• Vocational Readiness (when developmentally appropriate)

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Be safe.

• Be respectful.

• Be responsible.

• Follow classroom routines and visual schedules.

• Participate to the best of their abilities.

• Use appropriate communication.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Student progress is monitored continuously using:

• STAR Curriculum assessments

• Data collection

• Classroom observations

• Performance tasks

• Work samples

• IEP progress monitoring

• Teacher-created assessments

Classroom Supports

To promote student success, our classroom provides:

• Visual schedules

• Visual supports

• Individual work systems

• Communication supports

• Assistive technology (when appropriate)

• Sensory supports

• Flexible seating options

• Positive reinforcement systems

• Accommodations and modifications based on each student's IEP

Teacher–Parent Communication

Families are valued partners in every student's educational journey. Open communication between home and school helps create consistency and supports student growth.

Communication may include:

• Communication folders

• Email correspondence

• Phone calls

• School-approved messaging platforms

• Progress updates

• IEP meetings

• Parent conferences

Families are encouraged to communicate questions, concerns, and celebrations throughout the school year.

Family Partnership

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in student success. By working together, we can provide consistent support across home, school, and community environments while helping students build independence, confidence, and lifelong skills.

Learning Environment

Our classroom is designed to be:

• Safe

• Inclusive

• Structured

• Respectful

• Predictable

• Student-centered

• Supportive

• Engaging

Every student is encouraged to learn at their own pace while being challenged to reach their fullest potential.

Together We Grow

Every achievement (big or small) is worth celebrating. Through partnership, consistency, and evidence-based instruction using the STAR Autism Support Curriculum, we strive to help every student reach meaningful progress and experience success every day.