Elementary and Middle School SLE
The Structured Learning Environment (SLE) is a multi-grade, self-contained classroom setting designed for students who have demonstrated significant and pervasive difficulties in language, executive functioning and social skills. These students have typically not responded to less frequent or less intensive intervention supports provided in less restrictive settings. In the SLE setting, students are provided integrated instruction with a strong emphasis on language, including the social use of language. In addition to the general academic curriculum instruction, the SLE program strives to provide a consistent and predictable environment for students throughout the school day by implementing individualized scheduling and work tasks, visual supports for instruction, strategies for organization and clarity, and both direct and embedded instruction in the area of social skills. There are currently programs at the elementary and middle school levels.
High School SLE
The Structured Learning Environment (SLE) program at the high school level has been restructured to provide differentiated learning supports for students who have significant and pervasive difficulties with executive functioning, social communication, and social interaction skills. To help these students acquire skills necessary to become college or career ready upon graduation, their instructional program will be differentiated to embed the teaching of independent living, social-emotional, and vocational skills throughout the instructional day. Instruction for all graduation required courses will be provided primarily from dedicated content teachers with individualized and differentiated support from the SLE teacher and/or instructional assistant. Specific instruction in the areas of social skills, independent living, and vocational skills will be provided through dedicated courses taught by the SLE staff. IEP teams will proactively consider the years needed for each student’s graduation plan (most likely extending to 5 or 6 years) based on the student’s individual needs. The amount of time needed for the graduation plan must be individualized to include considerations of the time needed to provide the student with the necessary specific and differentiated instruction in the above mentioned areas, in addition to what is needed to meet graduation requirements. The SLE teacher will provide intensive case management which will include ongoing consultation and planning with the student, the student’s teachers and related service providers, and parents to ensure continuous and effective instructional programming throughout the student’s time in high school. There are currently programs at two high schools.