Students and families have some options when it comes to public education. Students who just don’t seem to fit into already thriving and established programs, or who might be getting lost in larger settings, often thrive in smaller therapeutic settings. Each therapeutic setting is different, and not all therapeutic settings are the right match for all types of learners. It’s important for school d
istricts and parents to find the best fit for a student’s needs. Some schools offer an eclectic approach to serve as many different types of students as possible. Some schools were founded on the basis of supporting one type of disability. Some have their philosophy rooted in a specific therapeutic discipline such as counseling, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. The most consistent message being heard from families was
that there wasn’t an educational alternative that was
founded on the basis of Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA. Why an ABA school? The use of applied behavior analysis in schools isn’t a new concept. However, ABA has come a long way in the last 20 years! ABA is no longer synonymous with ‘cubicles, flash cards and M&Ms.’ ABA is the science how people learn. With so many students out there who are not learning from traditional education, it’s our job to figure out how those students learn best and change the teaching!
“If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn” ― O. Ivar Lovaas
A special education school based in Applied Behavior Analysis is not the same as an ABA Clinic. A great school program:
• addresses the individual skill deficits that a student may have,
• uses a student’s individual strengths to help overcome those challenges, and also
• meets educational standards in an environment that will prepare the student for his or her next environment. I thought that science was supposed to systematic and rigid? Well, it’s the science that allows us to be flexible. Holtz Special Education Teachers and Behavior Analysts start with a comprehensive assessment of the student’s skills. Then, specific and measurable goals are developed that address a wide range of adaptive skills. Data is collected on a daily and weekly basis. These data are also monitored for progress daily and weekly. Teachers and behavior analysts use certain criteria to make data-based-decisions for the student’s learning plan. So, based upon how the student is progressing, new skills might be introduced, teaching procedures might be adjusted, or generalization opportunities might be incorporated. Because these data are being analyzed frequently, teachers and behavior analysts can make faster decisions. Faster decision making ensures that students don’t get bored while working on goals that have already been met, or get stuck ‘drilling’ a lesson that just isn’t working. Teachers and behavior analysts optimize the learning environment so that students can truly learn at their own pace. Who or What is “Holtz”
Ms. Diane Holtz was a 20-year veteran special-educator and dear friend of founder Karen Harper. While they worked in the classroom together, they taught each other many things about Behavior Analysis and Education. Their humor and attitudes were infectious throughout the school, and their love for their students was evident in their celebration of each little student success. While Diane is no longer with us, her joy and attitude can be felt in each learning opportunity. However, the most notable lesson from Ms. Holtz that Karen has ingrained into her business, her staff, and her clients is…
“They can do it.”
Worried about how a student will handle a challenging situation?
“They can do it.”
Concerned that the spelling test will be a little too hard?
“They can do it.”
Don’t think it’s a good day to go out in the community?
“They can do it.”
Give him/her a chance, and they will show you that they can do it. Commitment to Least Restrictive Environment [LRE]
This is great! Why would we ever leave?! (Because…. “They can do it!”)
If a therapeutic school is designed to give a student all the support they need, which is typically significantly more than a general education classroom in their home school, then the question is: Is it helping or hurting a student’s independence to continue to learn with these intensive supports? It’s very easy to over-support a student so that they remain successful. However, students need the opportunity to thrive within their own school district and community. As students learn to generalize their skills, their levels of support are monitored. As long as the student remains successful (e.g. continues to learn new skills and continues to show classroom appropriate behavior) those supports are systematically reduced. This plan is done with the family and the school district to prepare the student for their next environment. Programs
Holtz Educational Center provides students and families with a comprehensive educational experience that utilizes research based educational and behavioral programming adapted to meet the needs of each student and foster individual achievement.
