Transitions Program
Chandler School Grades K-2
Alden School Grades 3-5
Duxbury Middle School Grades 6-8
Duxbury High School Grades 9-12
The Transitions Program serves students who have been found eligible for special education under the disability categories that may include intellectual disability, autism, down syndrome or other significant multi-sensory impairment that impacts their ability to access the general curriculum. Students that qualify for the Transition Program are carefully considered for the Extended School Year program during the summer due to risk of substantial regression of skills.
The program addresses the unique needs of students who require significant academic modifications, accommodations, and specially designed instruction as well as skills training needed to increase their independence at school. The focus of instruction is primarily on functional academics and access/entry level skills as delineated in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students will be included in the general education setting for all academic and social activities that provide a meaningful educational benefit.
Time in the general education setting will fluctuate based on the students’ individual needs. It is the goal of the program to increase students’ skills and independence across the curriculum and provide services in the Least Restrictive Setting. The Team will determine if a student needs to take the MCAS Alternative Assessment.
Transitions Post Program
Duxbury High School Ages 18-22
The Transition Post Program at Duxbury High School is a community-based vocational education and transition program in the Special Education Department that prepares transition age youth (ages 18-22) for domains of adult living including; vocational development and employment, use of community resources and recreation, functional life skills (independent living, social skills training, use of community resources), and post-secondary education.
The Post-Program is available to students who may not have passed MCAS and or satisfied graduation requirements. The focus of instruction is Functional Skills and Vocational Programming. The development of self-determination skills and independence is stressed and opportunities to teach and reinforce these important life skills by engaging community partners are sought and utilized continually.
Language Based Program
Alden School Grades 3-5
Duxbury Middle School Grades 6-8
Duxbury High School Grades 9-12
The Language Based Learning Center (LBLC) serves students who have been identified as meeting the criteria of a Specific Learning Disability in the areas of Reading, Writing, and/or Math, including students who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia. Despite average cognitive ability, evaluation data shows evidence of a Language Based Learning Disability. Identified students have a cognitive profile in which scores on the Verbal subtests of cognitive measure are significantly lower than scores on non-verbal/performance subtests. They may also have a statistically significant difference between Reading subtests in the areas of decoding and comprehension.
Students may also have a history of significant language, reading, writing, or math disorders despite having received intensive, high quality interventions/services. Students are generally able to access grade level curriculum with some modifications.
The program provides systematic instruction in one or more areas (reading, writing, math) that includes alternate methods or curriculum (i.e., Wilson, Orton Gillingham) or other multi-sensory based approaches (i.e., Project Read). In addition, they would also require modification of grade level curriculum in subjects such as Science and Social Studies. Students may exhibit additional attentional or social-emotional issues but it is the Language Based Disability that predominantly interferes with their ability to access their grade level curriculum.
Support services (consultation and/or direct service) to the program includes, but are not limited to: Speech/language pathologist, Reading Specialist, Occupational Therapist, and/or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Partnership Program
Chandler School Grades K-2
Alden School Grades 3-5
Duxbury Middle School Grades 6-8
Duxbury High School Grades 9-12
The Partnership Program in the Duxbury Public Schools is committed to the educational and community-based inclusion of students with social/emotional challenges. Comprehensive academic and therapeutic support is provided by a special education teacher and social worker. This enables students with significant emotional needs to remain in the Duxbury community and school and optimize each student’s potential for achievement.
The Partnership Program is named for the partnership between families, staff, outside providers, and the community.