Teacher Notes

Welcome to Our Learning Community!

We are excited to have you join us this year! Our mission is to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where each student can thrive. We believe in the importance of actively engaging every student in their educational journey, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Our commitment is to ensure that every student not only meets but exceeds their goals through a supportive and adaptive educational experience.

Integrating State Curriculum Standards

Our curriculum is designed to align with state standards in core subjects such as:

• Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

These subjects are integrated into our daily instruction, with modifications and adaptations made to ensure accessibility for all students. We believe that every student has the potential to succeed when provided with the right tools and support, which is why we emphasize individualized instruction. Our diverse instructional methods are designed to cater to various learning styles, ensuring that each student can fully engage with the material.

This Year’s Focus: STAR Curriculum

We are thrilled to implement the STAR curriculum this year. The STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) curriculum is a research-based program that offers a comprehensive approach to developing both academic and life skills. It focuses on:

• Building Essential Academic Skills: Through individualized instruction, students will work on core academic areas, using strategies that are tailored to their unique learning needs.

• Developing Life Skills: The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of life skills, including communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. These are essential for students’ independence and success beyond the classroom.

The STAR curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, ensuring that it meets the needs of each student, regardless of their starting point.

IEP Goals and Objectives

Our IEP goals are carefully crafted to support the holistic development of each student. These goals may include:

• Behavioral Skills: Fostering positive behavior patterns and self-regulation.

• Social Skills: Enhancing interpersonal communication and relationships.

• Communication Skills: Developing both verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.

• Functional and Modified Academic Skills: Adapting academic content to meet each student's learning level and style.

• Adaptive Skills: Teaching essential life skills for personal independence and daily living.

While these areas may differ from a traditional curriculum, they are critical in providing meaningful and relevant learning experiences. These skills are not just about academic success; they are about preparing students for life beyond school, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in the real world.

Students who meet the criteria will participate in the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SCAlt), which evaluates progress in:

• English/Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Social Studies

• Science

This assessment ensures that all students, regardless of their learning needs, have the opportunity to demonstrate their progress and achievements.

Instructional Units and Timeline

Our instructional plan for the year includes a strong emphasis on:

• Personal Independence: Encouraging students to take initiative and develop self-reliance in both academic and non-academic tasks.

• Communication: Building effective communication skills, both in expressing their needs and in understanding others.

• Social Skills: Helping students navigate social interactions, both in structured and unstructured settings.

We will integrate Science and Social Studies topics into thematic units that are both engaging and relevant. These thematic units will align with the content areas of the South Carolina Alternate Assessment and are designed to be immersive and interactive, helping students make connections between different areas of learning.

Flexible Planning and Adaptive Instruction

All our instructional units are guided by each student’s IEP, ensuring that our teaching is always aligned with their individual goals and needs. We understand that flexibility is key, and our timelines are designed to be adaptable. This allows us to respond to each student's progress and adjust our approach as needed to maximize their success.

If there is a need to make changes to an IEP during the school year, we will follow the established Due Process Procedures. This ensures that any adjustments are made thoughtfully, with the full involvement of parents, educators, and related service providers, always keeping the student’s best interests at heart.

Commitment to Ongoing Communication and Support

We believe that ongoing communication is essential to the success of our students. Throughout the year, we will provide:

• Quarterly Progress Updates: Detailed reports on each student's progress, based on continuous documentation and observation.

• Regular Parent-Teacher Communication: Open lines of communication to discuss your child's development, any concerns, and celebrations of success.

• Collaborative Goal Setting: Involving parents and students in setting and reviewing IEP goals to ensure they are meaningful and achievable.

Our goal is to create a partnership with you, where we work together to support your child’s growth and development. We look forward to a productive and rewarding year, filled with growth, learning, and success for all our students!