RISE Program

Reaching Independence and Success in Education

Philosophy

At the heart of the RISE program is a deep belief that every child deserves access to meaningful learning experiences, connection, and growth. RISE students are students first—members of their school communities with unique strengths, interests, and potential. Our team uses people-first language, values inclusivity, and is committed to fostering independence, confidence, and progress for each student we serve. We believe that with the right supports, every student can thrive.

Program Overview

The RISE program (Reaching Independence and Success in Education) is an interdisciplinary special education model designed to support students with the most complex learning profiles. RISE offers a highly individualized, data-driven approach that combines academic, functional, and behavioral instruction to help students access learning to the greatest extent possible within the Ridgefield Public Schools community.

Who RISE Serves

RISE services are designed for students whose learning profiles require a modified curriculum, alternative instructional methods, or individualized pacing and structure. These students typically benefit from:

• Small-group or one-on-one instruction
  
  

• Visual, sensory, and communication supports
  
  

• Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI)
  
  

• Increased adult prompting and reinforcement strategies
  
  

• Functional skill development across settings
  
  

• Intensive collaboration among service providers
  
  

Students are considered for RISE through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process based on comprehensive evaluation data and a demonstrated need for specialized instruction across academic and functional domains.

Instructional Approach

RISE is built around a team-based instructional design and delivery model. Services are developed and monitored by an interdisciplinary team that includes:

• Special Education Teachers
  
  

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
  
  

• Speech & Language Pathologists
  
  

• Occupational Therapists
  
  

• Physical Therapists
  
  

• Instructional Paraeducators
  
  

• School Psychologists
  
  

• Building and district administrators (as needed)
  
  

Students in RISE receive individualized instruction based on IEP goals. Instruction includes Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) to teach new concepts in small, manageable steps, followed by opportunities for practice, generalization, and mastery across settings. This is supplemented by evidence-based practices such as naturalistic teaching, direct instruction, and incidental learning.

Key Features of RISE

• Individualized Program Books to guide lesson planning, instruction, and data collection
  
  

• Frequent team-based data review and instructional adjustments
  
  

• Embedded behavioral supports and positive reinforcement
  
  

• Emphasis on both functional skills and academic growth
  
  

• Inclusion and participation in general education and peer-based activities whenever appropriate
  
  

RISE and the School Day

RISE is not a stand-alone class, but a service model embedded within the school day. Students may receive instruction:

• In a small group or separate setting for skill acquisition
  
  

• In general education classrooms with support
  
  

• Through integrated related services like speech, OT, PT, or counseling
  
  

Students follow a typical school schedule with modifications as needed. The goal is to provide access to curriculum, enrichment, and social experiences while delivering the intensive instruction they need to make meaningful progress.

Role of the Instructional Paraeducator

Instructional paraeducators are essential to the RISE model. They:

• Deliver instruction under the direction of special educators and BCBAs
  
  

• Prompt, reinforce, and support students throughout the day
  
  

• Collect data on student learning and behavior
  
  

• Support the development of student independence by gradually reducing adult support
  
  

Family Involvement and Parent Training

Parent collaboration is central to the success of students in RISE. Each student’s IEP includes parent training opportunities, which may include:

• Coaching and modeling from the school team
  
  

• Home strategies aligned with school instruction
  
  

• Data collection tools for use at home
  
  

• Transition planning and goal setting for long-term independence
  
  

School Participation and Inclusion

Students who receive RISE services are full members of their school communities. With the right supports, they participate in:

• General education instruction
  
  

• Specials like art, music, PE, world language, and health
  
  

• Lunch, recess, and school events
  
  

• Clubs and extracurricular activities
  
  

The RISE team works closely with general education staff to make these opportunities inclusive and meaningful.

Locations

RISE services are offered in eight of Ridgefield’s nine schools, with the goal of providing services as close to students’ home schools as possible. RISE classrooms are located near same-grade classrooms to support inclusive programming and reduce transitions.  RISE currently is housed at all schools, including PreSchool and the Ridgefield Transition Program, except for Veterans Park Elementary School.

Transitions and Long-Term Planning

RISE emphasizes carefully planned transitions as students move between school levels (e.g., preschool to elementary, elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary life). Transition planning includes:

• Ecological assessments and team collaboration
  
  

• Parent involvement at every stage
  
  

• Instruction focused on independence, self-advocacy, and functional life skills
  
  

• Skill-building aligned with the expectations of the next environment