Historically, students in Extensive Support Needs Autism-Focus classrooms like ours have not had inclusive access to grade-level curriculum. This is no longer the case. This school year we are using a new curriculum purchased by our district specifically for classrooms like mine. The curriculum is called TeachTown.
I absolutely love this curriculum! We are learning the same content as the general education students. The content is modified and leveled to meet the needs of our students, but is based on California State Learning Standards. This year, we are working on 9th grade Language Arts, Algebra 1, Biology, and World History.
Leveled Materials
The texts are available in three levels. My students are all at level one, so our texts are symbol supported and written in simplified language. Level two is also symbol supported, but the text is more detailed than level one. The highest level, three, is all text. To make the material even more accessible, I present the material in multiple ways, including a lot of hands-on activities, each student has the support of one of our classroom staff, and they interact with the materials at the level of their own abilities.
Inclusive Access to Grade-Level Curriculum
The TeachTown curriculum is providing tailored and inclusive learning opportunities for my students, allowing them to access grade-level content through modifications and accommodations. This year we have, or will read classics like Robinson Crusoe, Beowulf, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Great Expectations. In science we’ve learned cell theory, about the origin of life on earth, DNA, and cell division through mitosis and meiosis. In social studies, we’ve already covered historical eras and cultural diffusion. We are now learning about ancient civilizations. Before TeachTown, my students would not have access to this material.
I am so excited about how amazing all of the students are doing with this curriculum and their level of engagement this year!
Communicating With Families
Because it may be challenging to envision how this curriculum might work for their student, I share with families what we are learning, how I present the information and materials, and most importantly, how their student engages at his or her own ability. My hope is that by sharing details about what I’m teaching, how I’m presenting the material, and highlighting the individualized engagement of each student, I’ll help families better understand and appreciate the value of the curriculum for their child. So far, the feedback from families has been positive and encouraging.
