Connections I & II
Connections I - DMS
Connections I - Dedham Middle School
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.
To this end, highly experienced staff provide a balanced curriculum that includes academics, art, music, physical education, technology, and life skills education. Services such as speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy and adaptive physical education are provided by licensed specialists.
Educational instruction is designed to meet the individualized learning styles and needs of all students, aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The curriculum is multi-sensory and thematic, allowing students to explore, practice, and apply concepts across the school day and across all environments. Aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, students in the Connections program participate in Mathematics, English Language Arts, History & Social Sciences, and Science & Technology/Engineering. All students participate in their respective state assessments in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Using the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide training to teachers and staff to respond proactively to prevent target behaviors and intervene when target behaviors occur. Routinized training of staff is provided on specific behavior plans and any data collection required to track and assess target behaviors and programs in place. Assessments can include preference assessments, functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, and many more.
Specific services provided in the program include but are not limited to:
- Access to a highly structured and predictable environment with clinical and behavioral support provided across the school day
- Blending of academic, daily living, and vocational skill development
- Small group academic instruction
- Opportunities for peer modeling within the general education setting with an additional focus on passing periods, lunch breaks, assembly participation, etc.
- Speech/language services, occupational therapy, physical therapy and adaptive physical education provided by licensed specialists.
- Direct speech and language services with a focus on social thinking, daily living skills, and communication
- Individual and small group counseling
- Consultation, assessment, and direct services provided by Board Certified Behavioral Analysts; Functional Behavior Assessments, preference assessments, etc.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology designed into individual Behavior Support Plans designed to promote positive behavior.
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with families
Connections II - DHS
The Connections Program at Dedham High 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.
To this end, highly experienced staff provide a balanced curriculum that includes academics, art, music, physical education, technology, and life skills education. Services such as speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy and adaptive physical education are provided by licensed specialists.
Educational instruction is designed to meet the individualized learning styles and needs of all students, aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, students in the Connections program participate in Mathematics, English Language Arts, History & Social Sciences, and Science & Technology/Engineering, while integrating social education, creative arts and employment preparation.
The curriculum is multi-sensory and thematic, allowing students to explore and apply concepts across the school day. All students participate in their respective state assessments in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). In addition to direct services, students are provided with continuous practice across all environments. 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.
Using the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide training to teachers and staff to respond proactively to prevent target behaviors and intervene when target behaviors occur. Routinized training of staff is provided on specific behavior plans and any data collection required to track and assess target behaviors and programs in place. Assessments can include preference assessments, functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, and many more.
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. Aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, students in the Connections program participate in Mathematics, English Language Arts, History & Social Sciences, and Science & Technology/Engineering, while integrating social education, creative arts and employment preparation.
Educational instruction is designed to meet the individualized learning styles and needs of all students, aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The curriculum is multi-sensory and thematic, allowing students to explore and apply concepts across the school day. All students participate in their respective state assessments in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services such speech/language, occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided by licensed specialists. In addition to direct services, students are provided with continuous practice across all environments.
There are a variety of supports provided within the Connections program model (as outlined on student IEPs). Some of those supports may include:
- Access to a highly structured and predictable environment with clinical and behavioral support provided across the day.
- Blending of academic, daily living, and vocational skill development using multi-modal approaches
- Provision of multi-sensory, research-based academic instruction to meet individual student needs
- Opportunities for peer modeling through inclusive experiences and support targeted to build on student strengths
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology designed into individual student programs as required
- Provision of significant adult support for addressing academic, social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs
- Individual and/or small group counseling that help students regulate and understand their emotions by identifying how they are feeling, utilizing coping strategies when starting to become dysregulated, and working on skills to help build healthy relationships with others.
- Provision of direct physical and occupational therapy to target fine, visual, gross motor and sensory integration goals
- Intensive speech and language support integrated throughout the school day, addressing essential social pragmatic skills to build relationships with others and advocate for their wants and needs.
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with families