The classrooms at The Winston Knolls School are all self-contained. In order to provide a safe, structured and predictable learning environment for the students, the classroom team remains with the same students throughout the school day. Students enrolled at The Winston Knolls School have gone through an admissions process that includes review of special education eligibility and related paperwork, a parent interview, and a student observation and/or interview. In order to be considered for placement at The Winston Knolls School regardless of disability, students must require significant behavioral support.

Evidence-based methodologies, techniques and programs are utilized as the foundation of individual program development. Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are developed based on the student’s present levels of performance and their educational needs, which are determined using norm-referenced assessments, data collected by classroom staff, and parent and professional input. Goals and objectives are measured on an ongoing basis through comprehensive data collection. Assessments like the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills revised (ABLLS-R, Partington, J. and Sundberg, M.), the Assessment of Functional Living Skills, the Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment & Placement Program (VB-MAPP, Sundberg, M.) is used to determine student progress.

The Winston Knolls School uses the Unique Learning Systems curriculum, an online, interactive, standards-based curriculum specifically designed for students with special needs. Students are screened by teachers to determine the appropriate level within the curriculum. The program includes principles of universal curriculum design and is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Students will receive instruction in large group, small group, and one-to-one setting. For example, the introduction of a topic may be given to the entire class, but students will then be grouped with one to two peers based on ability.

Teaching strategies include a highly structured, evidence-based method of instruction, incorporating principles of applied behavior analysis, verbal communication development and other best-practices associated with the instruction of children with disabilities. The areas of learning are focused on developing skills in the following domains:

In addition to the Unique Learning Systems curriculum, The Winston Knolls School uses several well-recognized curriculums in classroom instruction and to support learning on individual student IEP goals:

• Jolly Phonics and Jolly Readers

• Language for Learning

• Language for Thinking

• Reading A to Z

• Vocabulary A to Z

• Touch Math

• Early Literacy Skill Builder (ELSB)