Special Education

The goal of the Academic Lab is to assist in the education of students who have been identified as having mild to moderate disabilities by providing intensive academic support services. Instructional services include:

1. Academic skill instruction
2. Learning and organizing strategies
3. Instruction in compensatory skills
4. Executive functioning skills
5. College/Career/Life Skills planning and Transition Instruction
6. Collaboration with content area teachers and staff
7. Consultation with subject teachers, key staff and parents.

Special Education teachers monitor the implementation and coordination of the students Individualized Education Plan and act as case manager for the student. Each of the five houses has two Academic Labs.

The Center offers courses that are designed for students requiring high levels of academic and/or social- emotional support to meet the high school graduation competencies. Through the program based structure, students develop skills in the following areas:

• Self management and independence
• Peer and adult relationships
• Academic excellence
• Preparation for post secondary experiences

All courses align with GHS curriculum standards and receive high school credit. Students work with Center Faculty to create a course of study that meets their individual learning and social emotional needs.  

Using a collaborative team approach, this program is for students with higher level social and behavioral needs than can be met through a house-based Academic Lab. Students access the general education curriculum with some accommodations and little to no modifications. There is an emphasis on social thinking and behavior regulation. Some students also receive vocational and higher-level independent living skills training. Students are recommended for this program through the PPT meeting. All students participate in general education classes.

RISE Program

This program is for students with higher levels of academic need and social/behavioral concerns than can be met in a house-based Academic Lab. Students can access the general education curriculum with moderate to intense modifications and accommodations; students also have access to the Functional Math and Activities of Daily Living courses. Emphasis is placed on skills to access the general education curriculum, vocational training and independent living skills. Students are recommended for this program through the PPT meeting. All students participate in general education classes.

TRAILS Program

This is a highly individualized program for students with higher levels of behavioral, safety, or medical needs than can be met with RISE. Students receive instruction in functional academics through access to Functional Math or in their Academic Lab. Support in independent living skills is available with access to the Activities of Daily Living class or in Academic Lab. There are opportunities for inclusion and social interactions throughout the day. Students are recommended for this program through the PPT meeting. Some students participate in general education electives with programmatic adult assistance.

Related Courses: 

• Activities of Daily Living: This course is intended to be taken with the Functional Math 1 course, due to the time required to participate in community-based learning. Lessons are focused on topics that include Community Resources, Socialization, and Community Safety. This course is designed to develop life skills necessary to enhance/increase students’ independence in real world setting. Students participate in lessons using a variety of strategies including: video modeling, technology, and role play. Students in this class are often involved in the Come Together Club. This club facilitates socialization at lunch with non-disabled peers. Some of the skills addressed include: Food preparation, Clothing, Money and Finance, Vocational preparation, Health, Travel and Transportation, Community Resources, Community Signs, and Safety.
• Functional Math: This course is designed to develop the math skills necessary in to develop students’ independence in the real world. This course is intended to be taken with the Activities of Daily Living course, due to the time required to participate in community-based learning. Some of the topics addressed in this course include: Money, Counting Change, Time, Calendar, Graphs, Budgeting, Comparison Shopping, Coupons, Tax, Banking, Checks, Paychecks.

For more information regarding procedural safeguards and transition, see GPS Procedural Safeguards.

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services: Level Up Program