1 A clinical classroom model for public schools A N B
2 NBA New Beginnings Alternative A school-based program at Fitch High School in Groton, CT for secondary students who need special education and… …intensive behavior support
3 NBA meets 3 major concerns for public schools 1. Effective programming for adolescents with challenging behaviors 2. State and federal laws requiring students placed in the Least Restrictive Environment 3. Local district needs to limit school spending
4...in compliance with Special Education laws NBA uses a Clinical Day School model... …similar to programs in other area secondary and middle schools...
5 NBA is designed for: Students in grades 9-12 whose behavior interferes with their learning
6 The NBA staff assume: All students are capable of high level learning …but all students don’t learn in the same way - or at the same rate
7...and that all learning is influenced continuously by... Feelings Beliefs and Behaviors
8 Highly structured and Closely supervised Because of this, some students learn best in a setting that is...
9 Without this, students can get locked into... Failure cycles and Self defeating patterns of behavior
10 Often, these patterns are characterized by... Interpersonal conflict Ineffective thinking School failure and Self doubt
11 School behaviors can appear... Inappropriate Irresponsible Disruptive and sometimes… Dangerous
12 Removing students from the ‘mainstream’... for a period of time... can help them get back on a ‘success track’.
13 The mission of NBA is to help students become more successful in school... by addressing: feelings & relationships attitudes & beliefs behavior habits & skills
14 This Means Helping Students... to feel safe, capable and connected to control and organize their behavior to learn how to succeed and to become responsible & self directed
15 This requires daily attention to: Feelings & relationships Order & control Learning needs & motivation Social issues & skills
16 …using several different program strategies
17 Highly structured learning environment Small group & individualized instruction Incentives and rewards Supportive relationships Clear feedback about behavior Therapeutic crisis management Problem-solving counseling
18 These program components are designed to help students in 4 important ways:
19 1st - By Addressing Psychological Needs Safety & trust Competence Initiative Accomplishment Identity & belonging
20 2nd - By Planning For Academic Success Teaching how they learn Small group instruction ‘Engaging’ learning activities Incentive strategies
21 Day-to-day student management practices based on behavioral learning principles Clinical & supportive group process Student empowerment 3rd - By Building Self Control
22 And 4th - By Teaching Social-Cognitive Skills Self awareness Ownership Communication Problem solving Goal setting & planning
23 helping students rebuild... Self Esteem Self Control Self Determination Interpersonal Relationships and School Success NBA -
24 ! keeping students in the LRE and ! avoiding costly out-placements
25 NBA Staff Dr. Barbara Bronson School Psychologist Judith Santanelli SPED Teacher Dave GruberSPED Teacher Gail Narita Teacher Assistant Breanna GomezTeacher Assistant Dr. Paul J. Pattavina SPED Supervisor
26 Dr. Paul J. Pattavina Special Education Supervisor Groton Public Schools 860/ for more information-