Grade 5​/6 or Special Education Teacher + program

Program Overview

+STEPS Program

Description:

This specialized program serves students who require intensive, individualized instruction grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and who have not been able to make effective progress in the general education setting with less intensive support. Often, students spend 25-80% or more of their school day in a substantially separate, small group setting. The program provides a full continuum of academic, social, self‑regulation, sensory, daily living, communication, and language services designed to meet the needs of students with moderate disabilities while still fostering meaningful opportunities for inclusion with general education peers.

Instruction occurs in a small, highly structured classroom environment with a low staff‑to‑student ratio. Teaching is delivered through a combination of individualized and small‑group instruction, with learning activities embedded across the curriculum. Goals are developed through ongoing assessment and data collection to ensure instruction reflects each student’s unique academic, social, communication, behavioral, daily living, and adaptive needs. Students may also receive direct or consultative related services such as counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adapted physical education, orientation and mobility services, vision services, hearing services, behavior modification services, and/or nursing services as determined by the special education team.

Collaboration is central to the program model: classroom staff work closely with general education staff and related service providers to support skill development and generalization throughout the school day. The curriculum follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the North Middlesex Regional School District curricula, and supplements these with other educational programs to individually modify instruction and pacing for each student.

• Ensure that all Massachusetts Special Education Regulations are followed and implemented.
• Complete the paperwork process associated with the duties of a special education liaison, including, but not limited to, the development of I.E.P.s and progress reports.
• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
• Advise and assist general education teachers, colleagues, and paraprofessionals with implementing modifications of curriculum materials to address the learning difficulties of students.
• Prepare the classroom for lessons and activities.
• Apply knowledge of current research and theory to the instructional program.
• Provide/implement modifications of curriculum materials using a variety of learning materials and resources to address, including relevant technology, the learning difficulties of students.
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans with instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Prepare and maintain records of services, including attendance and data collection for the purpose of ensuring compliance and monitoring progress.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use data to adjust teaching strategies.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and policies of the school district.
• Observe and evaluate students’ performance and development.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Provide appropriate feedback to students and paraprofessionals.
• Plan and prepare schedules and lessons for paraprofessionals to implement with students.
• Prepare and maintain such records as required or necessary to facilitate the flow of information among staff and others.
• Support student transitions between grade levels and to more intensive/less intensive programming.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; ability to work effectively with all staff at…