How and What We Teach

We realize that our students come from diverse backgrounds and have unique learning styles or interests. We work diligently to create meaningful, relevant, and engaging activities for our students so that they get the maximum benefit from their education while enrolled at The LEAD Center.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is driven by the Virginia Department of Education’s SOLs and ASOLs as well as the students’ IEP goals. Students receive grade level and ability level work as outlined by their transcripts and IEPs. They participate in a rigorous curriculum and are

given needed and documented accommodations to access that curriculum.

The teaching staff at The LEAD Center, Ltd. are trained to utilize a variety of curriculum materials to support learning in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to use state approved text books and supporting materials, apps on the classroom iPads, on-line resources, hand-on materials, and multi-sensory strategies in the classroom.

Learning Centers

We realize that students who require educational services at the Therapeutic Day school level generally do not learn well in large groups. We have staffed our programs and designed our school building around small group instruction. Students participate in learning centers throughout the school day where they receive instruction in groups of 4-6 students. In our elementary level programs we strive for learning groups that are no larger than 3-4 students.

Multi-Sensory Learning

Inside of our learning centers students will be exposed to a multisensory curriculum. We want students to fully engage and fully experience their curriculum. Research has shown that when teachers are able to engage all five senses there is a significant increase in understanding and comprehension. By engaging all five senses we are capturing the students’ attention in their dominant learning style.

S.P.I.R.E Reading Program

At LEAD we understand the statistics behind student reading ability and future outcomes. We also take reading very seriously at LEAD because we know that the ability to read creates infinite possibilities for each individual. In 2021, we adopted S.P.I.R.E. as our reading curriculum. Our students receive pre- and post- assessments to determine their level of need.

Number Worlds Math Program

In 2022 we are installing Number Worlds as our math curriculum for K-8. Our students receive pre- and post- assessments to determine their level of need.

Evidence Based Teaching Strategies Used at LEAD

1. Peer tutoring
2. Cooperative Learning/Learning centers
3. Reciprocal teaching for reading comprehension
4. Multisensory Reading/teaching methods – Orton-Gillingham
5. Direct Instruction

In our multiple disabilities program we also use the following:

1. Forward chaining
2. System of least to most and most to least prompts
   1. Verbal, modeling, gestural, partial physical, physical, and combinations of all.
3. Prompt fading
4. Constant and progressive time delays
5. Aided Language Modeling (ALM)
6. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Our Staff

Our strength is in our personnel. They are the biggest part of the success of The LEAD Center.  Each one brings passion, commitment to excellence, and life experiences that enhance the student experience at LEAD.

The professional staff at The LEAD Center, Ltd. consists of collegiate and masters level teachers with appropriate endorsements as required by the VA Department of Education.  Support staff with college background and considerable experience are assigned to each class and assist with instruction and the implementation of behavioral programs.

 

Current Staffing Ratios

Lower Elementary –               Average staff to student ratio: 1:1 – 1:2

Upper Elementary–                Average staff to student ratio: 1:3

Middle School–                       Average staff to student ratio: 1:4

High School–                           Average staff to student ratio: 1:4

Intellectual Dis. –                   Average staff

to student ratio: 1:3

Multiple Dis. –                        Average staff to student ratio: 1:1 – 1:2

All staff are trained to contribute to the program academically and behaviorally. The teacher of record in each program will allocate staff based on the lesson plan and student specific needs.  We also have behavioral support and academic support personnel that participate in the classrooms on a daily basis. The three directors also play an active role in the classroom to support students and staff academically and behaviorally.

Enrollments, transitions, and discharges often occur, but the ratios mentioned above are maintained through staff reassignment and hiring new team members.