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PROGRAMS & SERVICES OFFERED
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The Dedham Public Schools offer a range of programs and services from preschool to age 22. Each of Dedham's seven schools provides special education services and supports in general education classrooms, as well as in small group "pull-out" settings.
- In a general education inclusive model, a special educator, or related service provider, provides direct instruction to students in the general education environment for all or part of the school day.
- In a "pull-out" model, a special educator, or related service provider, provides direct teaching instruction outside the general education setting.
In addition, a number of district-wide specialized programs are located at specific schools to provide services for students with moderate to severe special needs. This range of programming creates a continuum of services within each school and grade level, so that we can help avoid the need for students to transfer to another school during their elementary experience.
All in-district programs provide students with opportunities for interaction with typically developing peers. All programs emphasize skill development and skill remediation along with the development of self-advocacy skills for greater independence and responsibility for learning.
General Definitions
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Inclusive Programming
Inclusive programming at both elementary and secondary levels provides special education instruction to students with disabilities. Primary challenges are typically identified in the areas of learning, communication, and/or executive functioning.
Inclusion programming is designed for students capable of performing grade level work with some accommodations and/or modifications. With on-going supervision and support from special education staff, students generally attend general education classes with varying amounts of assistance from a special educator and/or paraprofessional, articulated in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students who participate in inclusive/supported classes often require direct instruction of strategies to access the curriculum and make educational progress. At the secondary level, this is provided through a "Strategies for Success" class, built into the broader school schedule.
Small group classes are also available to students who are not able to access the general curriculum at their grade level, usually 2-3 years below expected grade level skills. Classes are generally taught by one teacher, usually a special educator, with the support of one or more
instructional paraprofessionals, depending on the size and makeup of the class. Across settings, all instruction is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, with accommodations and modifications provided as needed. All students participate in their respective state assessments in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Co-Teaching
Within a co-taught general education setting, students with special needs participate as much as possible in a general education classroom with typically developing peers.
A strong partnership between the general education teacher and special educator provides a setting that fosters a deeper understanding of various learning styles, exposes students with disabilities to typical role models, and an opportunity to receive diverse instructional strategies.
Accommodations and/or modifications are made for students to access grade level curriculum as well as the involvement of specialists and clinicians who provide services in mainstream settings.
In general, all programming for students are designed on an individual case-by-case basis (per the Individual Education Program) and provided in an integrated model.
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Specialized Programming
In general, highly specialized programs have a smaller number of students as these students require additional supports within their general education classes and/or accommodations and modifications to the classroom curriculum.
Students may be provided with individual and/or small group instruction as needed to meet individual needs.
All specialized programs strive to offer a continuum of services across grade levels.
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Related Services
The Dedham Public Schools offer a range of evaluation, identification, educational and therapeutic support services. Related services include:
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Board Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBA) consultation, assessment, and direct service
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Vision/Orientation and Mobility
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Structured Literacy Programs (Wilson, Orton Gillingham)
- Speech and Language
- Transitional Planning
- Extended School Year Programming
Program Overviews & Links to Learn More
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Early Childhood Services
Dedham's Early Childhood Education Center offers a continuum of options to address students' presenting and sometimes changing needs. (PreK - K)
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S.T.A.R. (Specialized Teaching and Readiness)
The S.T.A.R. Program at the Greenlodge School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. This program offers robust systematic and structured behavioral teaching approaches, complementing academic instruction, social pragmatic and social emotional support. (Grades 1-5)
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ACCESS
The Access Program prepares students for a successful elementary experiences by addressing moderate language-based learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, and communication disorders. (Grades 1-5)
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The Team Based Learning Center
The Team Based Learning Center (T.B.L.) offers a therapeutic model to students who have social/emotional/behavioral challenges that can interfere with academic progress. These challenges can impact a student’s self-esteem, requiring a supportive learning environment that focuses on identifying each student’s strengths and developing coping strategies to overcome obstacles. (Grades 1-5)
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Connections I
The Connections Program at Dedham Middle School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. This program offers robust systematic and structured behavioral teaching approaches, complementing academic instruction, social pragmatic and social emotional support. (Grades 6-8)
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Pathways
Students participating in Pathways have complex learning profiles across a variety of domains, including but not limited to moderate language and learning difficulties, social emotional challenges, and communication disorders.
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The Team-Based Learning Center
The Team Based Learning Center (T.B.L.) offers a therapeutic model to students who have social/emotional/behavioral challenges that can interfere with academic progress. All students in the TBL program are capable of performing grade level work and are capable of working towards a high school diploma. (Grades 6-8)
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Connections II
The Connections Program at Dedham High School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. Based on a student’s age and ability, the Connections program is designed to teach social, academic, behavioral and community life skills. For some, programming includes a functional academic curriculum, while others follow a grade level curricula. (Grades 9-12)
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Bridges
Students participating in Bridges have complex learning profiles, including but not limited to language-based learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, and communication disorders. (Grades 9-12)
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The Alternative Program (ALT)
The ALT program at Dedham High School promotes success for students with a significant history of social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties impacting learning and educational progress. (Grades 9-12)
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Secondary Transition Services
Complementing a rigorous academic program in all schools and at all levels, students with special needs receive comprehensive transitional services beginning at age 14. Opportunities for real world experience and community involvement help students gain knowledge and confidence for making future decisions. Services provided encompass many different aspects, all designed to support students in considering post-secondary education, training, and/or employment.
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LifeSTART
A Continuing Studies Program Serving special education students, ages 18-22. The LifeStart Program offers comprehensive programming that addresses eight specific domains of adulthood: Employability, Health & Wellness, Communication, Citizenship, Core Academic Skills, Household Management, Post Secondary Planning, Self Determination & Self Management.