Special Education
The Pioneer special education philosophy focuses on including students in their classrooms. However, we provide a range of services to best meet the unique educational, social, and behavioral needs of each child.
Supported inclusion works well for many children. Students feel more accepted in the classroom community when they are part of daily activities with their peers. They can participate in group activities and learn from class discussions. With adaptations, modifications and special education support, students with special needs can feel successful with the grade level curriculum.
At times it may be necessary to provide instruction outside the classroom to best meet a child’s IEP goals. This includes academic instruction, social skills instruction or functional life skills practice. In this way teachers can teach skills and strategies to improve students’ social and academic performance. This instruction will be given individually or with a small group of students. Teaching materials and techniques are specifically tailored for each student.
Behavior interventions are used when needed to help a student who is experiencing problem behaviors. Calming strategies, discussion of the choices and consequences and planning for the future are part of this process. The aim is to teach and practice appropriate reactions and behaviors.
CURRICULUM
Whenever possible, the Special Education Team at Pioneer makes modifications and adaptations to the general education curriculum. At times, replacement curriculum is utilized to best meet the needs of individual students. The following replacement curriculums are used:
Connecting Math Concepts focuses on key mathematical concepts and “big ideas” to help students gain a thorough understanding of mathematics. This series teaches strategies that students can apply to “real-life” situations. It provides a balanced approach between computation and problem solving skills.
Reading Mastery is a research based reading program that helps students develop strong skills in phonics, comprehension, and fluency.
Corrective Reading is a structured reading program that helps students in grades three through fifth who are significantly struggling. Corrective Reading is designed to help students who are reading one or more years below their age. It is a motivating program which yields high success rates for struggling readers.
Kurzweil 3000 is a software program used to help students who struggle with reading and writing skills. This program enables students to listen to books as they follow along with the text. Students are able to complete reading, writing, and study skill lessons on the computer.
| 
