Description of the School Program
Instructional strategies include a variety of proven techniques, individualized to meet the needs of the student. These strategies include individualized instruction, group instruction, language stimulation activities, incidental teaching, sensory integration, visually aided instruction, and the use of computers. Every effort is made to give the topic of instruction some type of meaningful or functional context for the student. Tangible as well as positive social reinforcers are used to gain attention to task and to reward performance. Similar to Koegel and Koegel’s Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Linwood staff identifies the students’ interests as well as their responses, and uses them to generate widespread positive changes in a number of other untreated behaviors.
Student interactions are monitored and guided by staff, both inside and outside of the classroom; instructional opportunities do not always limit themselves to the classroom. Community resources are also used to develop skills and to reward achievement and/or motivate the student to learn.
A key factor in the success of Linwood’s educational program is to identify the strengths and interests of each student. Using this as the cornerstone of the teaching process, Linwood staff engages students in activities that build on this foundation. Behaviors that are incompatible with the learning process, as well as other barriers to learning, are carefully analyzed through a functional behavioral analysis to determine strategies to be implemented, using Positive Behavioral Supports. This includes strategies to reduce unwanted behaviors while introducing strategies to teach alternate desirable behaviors.
Linwood bases its instructional program on the Maryland State Curriculum in conjunction with the Howard County Functional Academics and Life Skills Guide. The program of instruction addresses functional academics, critical life skills, language and communication skills, social skills, vocational training, fine and gross motor skills, and the development of leisure and recreation skills. Core subject areas include the following:
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Motor Development
- Personal Management
As a supplement to the educational program, Linwood has a five-day residential program and a seven-day residential program. A student enrolled in either of these programs has a residential IEP or an Individualized Residential Treatment Plan (IRTP), identifying specific goals to be addressed within that program. The five-day program operates Monday through Friday in our on-campus dormitory. The seven-day program operates 365 days per year in our group homes where either three or four children reside. Students in both the 5-day and 7-day residential programs are assigned a one-to-one aide if specified in the student’s individualized program plan and all residences have awake-overnight supervision. Under the direction of a Certified Residential Child Care Program Administrator, house managers and program supervisors oversee the residential programs before and after school and on weekends. The Department of Human Resources monitors and licenses Linwood’s residential services. Linwood is also an approved provider for residential habilitation under the Autism Waiver.