Distinguished Scholars Academy*
Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Elementary Grades K-4 and Middle School Grades 5-9
Research has determined that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) manifests itself in the areas of social communication and emotional regulation dysfunction. Often students with ASD can react to typical situations in ways that present unique challenges for staff not specifically trained to respond to their needs. Traditional responses can actually result in an escalation of behaviors that can become unsafe for the students and for others.
The Distinguished Scholars Academy (DSA) is designed for students with ASD in grades K-4 and 5-9. Its unique setting is designed to address the specific needs of students on the spectrum. DSA staff work to stabilize the student’s emotional regulation and identify strategies and transactional supports so the student can be a more successful learner within the desired educational environment. DSA staff:
- Provide an educational program specific to the individual student profile using evidence-based practices and autism research
- Identify emotional regulation strategies and teach the student how to self-regulate using tools to address sensory processing challenges
- Identify appropriate accommodations necessary for the student to access grade-appropriate curriculum
- Provide students with effective communication strategies and an understanding of the “hidden curriculum” (social skills) to access the educational environment and community
In addition to providing educational programming for students with ASD, CESA #1 staff will help build district capacity in the area of ASD, including information specific to a student’s learning profile.
New Connections*
Middle and Early High School Program for Students with Emotional and Behavior-Related Disabilities in Grades 7-10
New Connections supports students who may experience difficulty with the transition to more traditional middle school or high school settings. Students attend school for 5.5 hours each day, following a school day schedule with three fifty-five-minute instructional periods, and the remaining time students are in a homeroom cohort for social skills, physical education, elective courses and academic interventions, if necessary.
The service incorporates hands-on learning using a variety of techniques including direct instruction, individualized instruction, computer-aided instruction, personalized learning, and community experiences. School staff meets regularly with district staff to organize and coordinate learning opportunities that align with district expectations for both academic performance and social interactions. Whenever possible, actual materials and/or access to online learning currently used in their districts will be made available to the students.
Each week students have classroom guidance lessons with our Secondary School Counselor. They also work on planning and activities that will support their understanding of the need for a comprehensive post-secondary plan. Students work closely with our school counselor to review and prepare their plans for post-secondary options. They also have weekly social skill building lessons and monthly personal appointments with our school counselor to support readiness for their transition.
In addition to providing educational programming for students with emotional/behavior challenges, CESA #1 staff will help build district capacity in preparation for the student's successful transition back into their home district.
New Pathways
Alternative Program for At-Risk Students in Grades 9-12
New Pathways is an alternative education program for underserved students, including those in special education, in grades 9-12. Student options include both credit attainment and GED Option 2. This individualized, self-paced program is specifically targeted toward students who are at-risk of not graduating high school and have a need for credit recovery with mild to moderate levels of support.
A small student-to-teacher ratio allows students access to staff for one-to-one skills building instruction. Learning activities for students focus on individualized academic learning plans, transition consultation/coordination, and small group counseling, which includes such topics as social skills, character education, and peer pressure.
Students participate in career and employability programming to support preparation for post-graduation options. Activities include state ACP components, service learning and/or community service opportunities, and engagement in career awareness / employability skills curriculum.
Regular and consistent communication with the resident school district is maintained to ensure academic progress and attendance expectations.
Ozaukee Community High School
Alternative Program for At-Risk Students in Grades 9-12
Ozaukee Community High School is an alternative education program for underserved students, including those in special education, in grades 9-12. Student options include both credit attainment and GED Option 2. This individualized, self-paced program is specifically targeted toward students who are at-risk of not graduating high school and have a need for credit recovery with mild to moderate levels of support.
A small student-to-teacher ratio allows students access to staff for one-to-one skills building instruction. Learning activities for students focus on individualized academic learning plans, transition consultation/coordination, and small group counseling, which includes such topics as social skills, character education, and peer pressure.
Students participate in career and employability programming to support preparation for post-graduation options. Activities include state ACP components, service learning and/or community service opportunities, and engagement in career awareness course/employability skills curriculum.
Regular and consistent communication with the resident school district is maintained to ensure academic progress and attendance expectations.
Project SEARCH - Milwaukee County Zoo and Children's Wisconsin*
School-to-Work Program for 18 to 24-Year-Old Students
Through partnerships with Goodwill Industries and the Milwaukee County Zoo, and Creative Employment Opportunities and Children’s Wisconsin, CESA #1 is pleased to offer two Project SEARCH program sites. The Project SEARCH Transition Program is a unique, business-led, nine-month, school-to-work program for 18 to 24-year-old students who have significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program takes place entirely at the workplace, and is held at the Milwaukee County Zoo and Children’s Wisconsin. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through work site rotations. The ultimate goal of Project SEARCH is competitive employment for each student intern.
Project Success*
Alternative Program for Students with Disabilities in Grades 9-12
Project Success is a high school service that provides credit recovery for students who have been identified at their resident districts as having a special education impairment and/or need for specialized instruction. During a 3-hour day, students complete curricular units based on their individualized education plan (IEP) and transcripts from the resident school district. Students may choose subjects/credits to complete from the curriculum units available and/or design personalized units with the teacher that meet the state’s core curriculum standards. The delivery of service is individualized to meet each student’s learning style.
Students work closely with our school counselor to review and prepare their plans for post-secondary options. They also have weekly social skill building lessons and monthly personal appointments with our school counselor to support readiness for their transition.
It is our belief that finishing high school is only an important first step. We work with our students to build their skills and their curriculum around planning for transition to life after high school. (Indicators 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Turning Point - Elementary*
Elementary Program for Students with Emotional and Behavior-Related Disabilities in Grades K-6
Turning Point makes a difference in the lives of students who have emotional/behavioral challenges in kindergarten through sixth grade. Turning Point staff work to interrupt serious acting out behaviors that are disruptive to the learning of the student or others. Turning Point staff also help identify strategies and environmental supports so the student can be a more successful learner within the desired educational environment.
Turning Point staff:
- Provide an educational program specific to the individual student profile using evidence- based practices
- Identify strategies and teach the student how to use those strategies to regulate their emotional responses to challenges
- Identify appropriate accommodations necessary for the student to access grade- appropriate curriculum
- Provide students with effective communication strategies to access help from adults in the educational environment and community
Turning Point provides instructional support for students in grades K-6 in self-contained classrooms that offer opportunities to build strong and supportive relationships with staff and peers. As a small community, the students work together to encourage each other in their learning and the use of new strategies for making healthy choices for themselves and others.
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