District Special Education Programs

PASS (Positive Academic and Social Skills) Classrooms

The PASS (Positive Academic and Social Skills ) classrooms are a sub-separate program designed to provide support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or similar developmental profiles in grades PK-12. Instructional methodology is primarily based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) which includes; Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Task Analysis, behavior management, and social skills instruction. Student data is analyzed on a continuous basis which allows PASS staff to adjust instructional practices as appropriate. This informed data decision-making is the hallmark of how academic growth, behavior, and independent skill development is assessed. Instruction is provided using 1:1, small group, and/or whole group format. Inclusion opportunities are also incorporated as appropriate. Teacher to student ratio remains small and groupings change throughout the day depending on the needs of each student.  The PASS program is supported by certified special education teachers, BCBAs, ABA technicians, educational assistants, and various related service professionals (i.e. speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy). 

Life Skills Program

The Life Skills Program at Southbridge High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 who have intellectual impairments and/or Autism in the mild to moderate range. These disabilities present a wide range of communication, academic, behavioral, and life skill challenges. Instructional methodology focuses on functional academic and activities of daily living instruction designed to prepare students to live as independently as possible. The Assessment of Functional Living Skills is used to assess student progress in social skills, community living skills, basic living skills, and functional academics. Student data is analyzed based on methodologies such as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Task Analysis, behavior management, and social skills instruction. The program is staffed by a special education teacher, educational assistants, BCBA, and various related service staff including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.  Students participate in unified arts and other programs as often as the experience is meaningful including pep rallies, homecoming, clubs, and the prom.  Students have the opportunity to actively participate in the high school graduation ceremony including a Certificate of Attainment at graduation.

High Road Program

The High Road at Southbridge Program is a highly structured therapeutic program for students in grades 2-8 who require additional educational and behavioral support to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. The intensive support of students, and engagement with families enable improved academics, application of positive behaviors, and seamless transition in using life skills beyond the classroom. By focusing on key areas: academics, behavior modifications, and support services. This program is able to meet the individual needs of all students through these varied approaches to instruction. Central to their overall approach is building a student’s confidence and competence through personalized academic interactions, customized curriculums, state-of-the-art intervention tools, and a signature education model.

Through collaboration with a student’s IEP team, they are able to choose the most appropriate learning model based on a given student’s present levels of performance, social capabilities, motor coordination, and ability to learn in a group setting. Services include a proven-effective model which integrates behavior and academics, creating an active and intentional positive normative culture focused on restorative practices, leadership, accountability, teamwork, and academic success. Their certified and skilled instructors provide each student with personalized instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

Discovery Classroom

The Discovery classroom is a specialized program serving students with moderate/severe developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.  Many students also require close medical supervision due to seizures, respiratory issues, GI tubes, etc.  The classroom is staffed with a nurse to address medical needs.  Students receive a multi-sensory (tactile, kinesthetic, auditory, visual, etc.), total communication approach to learning, and they may or may not be able to participate in mainstream classrooms due to cognitive or medical concerns. Student academic growth is determined by progress monitoring on individualized education plans (IEPs) including goals and objectives that are unique to the individual child.  In collaboration with speech-language, occupational, vision, and physical therapists, students are offered an alternative and educational experience to meet their individualized academic, social, physical, and communication needs.  Access to augmentative communication devices as well as assistive technology is available in order to facilitate peer interactions and build on communication skills. With an emphasis on activities-based learning and functional skills curriculum, students achieve personal success in a safe environment where they can strive to gain independence and become productive contributors to society and their local community.