Students who are alternatively assessed participate in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA). The NYSAA is a part of the New York State testing program that measures student performance on alternate achievement standards in the areas of English Language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. These standards are reduced in complexity from the Learning Standards.
The program has a small teacher to student ratio (10:1:1), which encourages close academic and social support from the teacher and support staff. This helps prepare students for independence while working at their individual level and pace.
The program is built around the development of functional academics, designed to increase students' knowledge and ability in using the skills necessary for everyday living. Curriculum focuses on wellness and personal safety, aspects of good citizenship, environmental awareness and how students can contribute to their community.
To develop reading, the program utilizes the Scholastic System 44 /Scholastic Read 180 programs. The Scholastic System 44 program is utilized for students demonstrating a need for individualized phonics and decoding instruction, while the Scholastic Read 180 program is geared for students requiring remedial instruction in comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.
Students also use the Touch Math multi-sensory step-by-step approach program "to catch up and keep up" with basic math skills and to develop real-world math skills. The Touch Money component teaches students how money and math interrelate--making this crucial life skill real, relational, and concrete.
Social skills training is another vital component to the program. The objective of social skills training is to teach students to acquire healthy social relationships by improving their social skills and social problem solving skills to "equip students to thrive in the classroom and in the world beyond".