Successful Transitions Achieved Through Responsive Support

Intoduction

Successful Transitions Achieved Through Responsive Support (STARS) is an alternative classroom for students in grades 1st through 12th with IEPs. The central feature that distinguishes STARS from the support and services provided at a comprehensive site is the unique separate classroom environment and how that setting is the center for all supports and services the student receives. The rationale guiding the STARS classes is to provide dynamic responsive supports and services within an environment that allows the student to achieve their academic potential toward earning a diploma. The key components of the program are as follows:

Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) is considered both in the general education classroom and small class instruction with support from staff.
Provides 1st-12th grade students that qualify under IDEA with mild to moderate disabilities with integrated services and supports for academics, language processing, sensory, and social-emotional regulation.

Strategies

STARS utilizes instructional strategies, as needed, in a separate classroom as well as in a general education classroom within a whole or small group setting. The low staff to student ratio allows for the implementation of explicit instructional strategies targeted at accessing grade level common core standards, as well as the development of social and emotional skills.

These strategies include, but are not limited to:

Instruction that meets grade level common core standards in either a general education or a separate classroom setting, as well academic interventions.
Providing a low staff to student ratio. Students that participate in STARS do not receive or require intensive 1:1/individualized support.
Allocation of a school counselor to each school site since all students in STARS are eligible to receive counseling services.
Utilizing accommodations, methodologies, interventions, and strategies as appropriate.
Implementing a co-teaching model to support instruction, as well as provide planning and curriculum supports to teachers.
Students in STARS receive related services per their IEP in order to make progress towards their IEP goals. Related services are provided by the site team where the STARS program is located.

There is no compelling evidence that placement in a separate class, rather than effective instruction is the critical factor in student academic and/or social achievement. It is the application of strategies, supports, and interventions, per the student’s IEP that are effective in improving academic and/or social outcomes for students.

As students demonstrate academic and social/emotional growth in the separate classroom, the Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) is adjusted to meet the student's changing needs. Conceptually, and in the spirit of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), the primary goal of STARS is eventual placement back at the student's school of residence. Even with the goal of returning students to their school of residence, students may remain in STARs, if appropriate, and graduate with a diploma utilizing the support of STARS.

Placement in STARS

Placement in STARS is an IEP team decision. When IEP teams are considering placement in STARS, evaluating the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and early collaboration with all team members and consultation with the Area Program Manager should be conducted.

Locations

Students are placed in STARS classrooms based on the neighborhood boundaries where they reside. STARS is located within six comprehensive school sites located within SDUSD. Currently there are three classes located at each of the following sites:

Wegeforth Elementary
Sequoia Elementary
Creative and Performing Media Arts School
Farb Middle School
Mission Bay High School
Canyon Hills High School

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about STARS, please contact your Area Program Manager.

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