NVS Programs

Reading, Mathematics, Social Skills, and Transition Programs

Reading Specialist Program

New Vista School’s reading lab is designed to assist students with various reading needs including word attack, sight word development, reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. The reading lab supports students who require intensive and specialized reading instruction.

The reading lab is overseen by a reading program specialist and a full-time reading assistant.  Students, parents, or teachers may refer a student for reading lab services. (Referral forms are available in the front office.) Forms must be completed, signed and submitted to the reading specialist with additional documents that may assist in determining reading needs. Documents include individualized education plans, information on educational history, recent reading assessments, and student work samples.

Once the referral form and additional documents are received, the reading program specialist will review the information. In the event that more information is needed, the reading program specialist will observe the student during classes or require an updated academic evaluation to be done by an outside professional. Please allow two weeks for the reading specialist to determine appropriate placement. Incomplete forms and missing documents will result in a delay of placement.

The New Vista School reading lab seeks to help students acquire the skills necessary for literacy achievement. To do this, the lab provides and utilizes multi-modal, research-based programs and methodologies to promote acquisition and independent use of reading strategies.

Fast ForWord® Programs

The Fast ForWord® products are a set of computer programs designed to develop cognitive skills necessary to be successful in learning and reading. The program addresses memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing skills. New Vista School offers secondary Fast ForWord® programs from both the Literacy and Reading series. Students must complete the Literacy series before moving to the Reading series. Programs are individualized to fit each student’s pace and support is provided by the teacher. As students improve in each program, expectations are increased.

The Literacy series emphasizes development of phonological awareness, listening accuracy, and language structures. Students work on identifying phonemes and sound sequences, as well as matching like sounds and words. Additionally, students work on increasing their receptive vocabulary in areas such as math and science. They also work on language comprehension skills, following directions, and various English language conventions. The Reading series emphasizes application of phonology and spelling, word recognition, reading comprehension, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, word origins, and punctuation. The programs are presented with increasing levels of difficulty.

(Fast ForWord® and Scientific Learning® are U.S. registered trademarks of Scientific Learning Corporation.)

Read Naturally®SE Computer Software

The Read Naturally®SE computer program is designed to develop reading fluency. Students are taught to analyze pictures, key vocabulary words, and story titles to develop prediction skills.  Through a series of readings with the computer and independent practice, the students improve their reading fluency for each passage given. The Read Naturally®SE program also provides vocabulary definitions and pronunciations for challenging words. Students are expected to answer both multiple choice and open-ended comprehension questions, including recall and inferences. Finally, students summarize each story read.

Lindamood-Bell® Methodology and Materials

New Vista School integrates the use of the Lindamood-Bell® methodologies and materials in reading instruction. Lindamood-Bell® materials are designed to develop the various skills necessary for reading comprehension and fluency. Students will be exposed to the methodologies that fit their needs as based on their previous educational history and teacher recommendations.

The Seeing Stars® program develops word attack skills, word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency. Students develop visual memory for letters. Improved visual memory enables students to read and spell orthographically irregular words with increasing automaticity. Students learn sound to symbol associations, single syllable rules, multiple syllable breaking rules, and affixes. Throughout the course, students participate in visual memory exercises, designed to increase the number of letters stored in visual memory. With the use of visual memory exercises and systematic practice, students also increase their sight words and spelling skills.

The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® program (LiPS®) develops phonemic awareness, particularly for individuals who omit and/or substitute or reverse sounds in words. The LiPS® program teaches the mouth movements associated with consonant and vowel sounds, which become the foundation for reading and spelling for students having difficulty processing sounds auditorily. The LiPS® program is sometimes a precursor to the Seeing Stars® program, for students in need of additional support in phonemic awareness.

The Visualizing and Verbalizing® program (V/V®) develops comprehension through imagery. Whether presented with a vocabulary word, a sentence, a paragraph or multiple paragraphs, the students are taught to accurately visualize the information. Students are introduced to structure words, which help them develop images. Images are then tracked, recalled in sequence, and used to summarize the stories read. Critical thinking skills and note-taking skills are also developed. The V/V® program gives students a systematic way to comprehend what they hear or read.

(New Vista School is NOT Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes® nor is it affiliated with, certified, endorsed, licensed, monitored or sponsored by Lindamood-Bell®, Nanci Bell, Phyllis Lindamood or Pat Lindamood. Lindamood-Bell®-an international organization creating and implementing unique instructional methods and programs for quality intervention to advance language and literacy skills-in no way endorses or monitors the services provided by New Vista School.)

The Stephanie Harvey Approach: Reading Comprehension and Higher Order Thinking Skills

Coupled with the Visualizing and Verbalizing® program, New Vista integrates Stephanie Harvey’s approach to develop reading comprehension and higher order thinking skills. This approach has six key strategies:

§  Making connections-relating literature to personal experiences, other texts, and the outside world.

§  Questioning-wondering about concepts, characters, new information and outcomes.

§  Visualizing-making mental images based on literature read.

§  Inferring-making a logical judgment by reading faces, body language, expressions, tone and actions occurring in literature.

§  Determining importance-utilizing narrative and expository text features to distinguish between key ideas and less important details.

§  Synthesizing-taking individual pieces of information and combining them with prior knowledge to create new ideas.

Harvey uses a text coding system in which student’s record their thinking as it pertains to the six key comprehension strategies. The text coding system serves as a tool for students to recall ideas in order to inform later discussion and application.

Visual Literacy Development

As a precursor to and often to supplement receptive and expressive language comprehension growth, New Vista School provides support in visual literacy development. Students learn to interpret and understand book illustrations, real-life settings and situations, television shows, movies, and other visual media. Vocabulary is developed with the use of illustrations and photographs whenever possible. Given pictures, students learn to sequence, determine the main idea, make connections, and recall. Additionally, students learn to identify emotions presented in pictures, as well as the details influencing those emotions.

Mathematics Program (Anticipated release in the 09 10 school year)

In addition to offering standard math classes, New Vista School’s math lab is equipped with state- of-the-art computer software, math manipulatives, and math programs geared toward assisting students with various math needs.

The math lab is overseen by a math specialist whose responsibilities include program development and instruction. Math enrollment may be dependent upon any of the following: past individualized education plans, information on educational history, current math assessments, and student work samples.

The New Vista School math lab seeks to help the individual successfully learn to use math in everyday life or beyond. Students with limited language skills are also able to access math through these unique math offerings.

The math lab utilizes the following math materials and/or programs:

  • On Cloud Nine® program
  • ST MathTM (K-5 and Algebra Readiness)
  • Singapore Math
  • AGS Consumer Mathematics
  • Various supplemental texts and manipulatives

New Vista School offers two levels of consumer math instruction.

Consumer Math 1 seeks to first ensure students learn basic math skills. The On Cloud Nine® program is utilized to teach students to conceptualize math. Students learn to conceptualize the number line, the four basic math processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), decimals, and fractions using visuals and manipulatives. The Singapore math materials further enhance math achievement through visuals and conceptualization of math concepts. Students are introduced to beginning money math skills, including monetary values, as well as counting and making change. Students also learn how and where money is used, how to solve word problems involving money, and beginning banking skills.

Students enrolled in Consumer Math 2 utilize the AGS Consumer Math materials. Consumer Math 2 covers advanced banking, money management, and budgeting related to adult life.

Students enrolled in any of New Vista School’s math offerings may also be exposed to ST MathTM, computer software developed by the Mind Research Institute. ST MathTM is unique in that it promotes mastery of math concepts without the use of language. Therefore, students with limited language skills may conceptualize math. Students are able to work at an individualized pace, and the math instructor is able to monitor progress and provide support as needed.

Social Skills Program

School-Wide Values

School-wide social values are part of the every-day experience at New Vista School. Creating a school-wide value system creates a common language for all. With these values, teachers, students and parents are able to use a consistent vocabulary to assist in student growth.

Faculty and parent in-service opportunities are provided to assist in a consistent cross-over from school to home. Specific examples of how to use theses school values are reviewed and provided to all parents and students throughout the school year. Specific skills will be highlighted within the school setting and sent home via the family newsletter, email and/or student handouts.

Our core student values are:

Responsibility

  • Be responsible for your own actions, belongings, and materials.
  • Complete assignments on time.
  • Help a peer or adult.
  • Avoid fights and stay out of trouble.
  • Keep yourself neat and clean.
  • Communicate important information to others.

Respect

  • Look and listen to your teacher and others.
  • Sit in your seat, ready to learn.
  • Use polite words.
  • Follow rules and directions.
  • Participate in non-preferred activities.
  • Use good conversation skills with others.

Problem Solving

  • Accept others likes and dislikes.
  • Accept others differences and similarities.
  • Notice when others need help and provide support.
  • Recognize other people’s emotions and respond appropriately to those emotions.

Initiative

  • Offer information or ideas in class.
  • Offer to help another student or teacher.
  • Start a conversations or activity with someone new.
  • Start up a new interest or hobby.
  • Independently complete an activity.

Safety

  • Be nice to others and accept compliments.
  • Recognize teasing and respond appropriately to bulling.
  • Keep your hands to yourself.
  • Respond appropriately to peer pressure.
  • Follow school and community rules.

Classroom Expectations

Classroom expectations are consistent from class to class. Common language and common expectations help maintain consistency for all students.  Classroom expectations are visually posted and reviewed daily.

  • Bring planner to class and fill it in daily.
  • Be tolerant and accepting of others.
  • Participate in class and follow teacher directions.
  • Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
  • Only water allowed in class.

Positive Behavior Support System

Students who are demonstrating school-wide values and following classroom expectations will be rewarded each class period based on the following criteria:

3 Points=Demonstrated all 5 classroom expectations and social skill of the week

2 Points=Demonstrated 3-4 classroom expectations

1 Point= Demonstrated 1-2 classroom expectations

0 Points=Student was absent or removed from class.

Points will be tallied and turned in for privileges, including free dress days, free homework days and other rewards.  Students who are the top earners each week may earn a free “snack pass” in which they can exchange for a free snack during lunch time.  Although all teachers will be assigning points throughout the school day, for consistency the points will be tallied and prizes distributed by the social skills instructors.

In addition to points, students may also earn awards such as: student of the month, random acts of kindness, and keeping it cool.  Students who are “caught in the act” of demonstrating the social skill of the month will also receive an award.

Community Expectations

New Vista School feels it is important for all students to be contributing members of their school and local communities. Community opportunities will be provided both on and off campus.

When students travel off campus, they will be provided with educational and social skills opportunities via field trips, employment exploration, and community outreach. Community mobility (use of public transportation) will be integrated into this program whenever possible.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to interact with their peers and community members while on campus.  Students at New Vista School will be expected to meet various responsibilities weekly, or in some cases daily, including leading student announcements, operating the student snack bar, maintaining a student bulletin board, and/or planning student outings. These opportunities will provide New Vista School students with an avenue to develop appropriate life and social skills which will support them into their adult years.

Course offerings and electives also enable students to connect with the community both on and off campus.

Behavior Support Plan

Whenever additional behavior support is needed, a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) will be developed for a student and monitored by our faculty.  BSP’s are designed to better manage individual behaviors and help the student become more successful in class. Recommendations for BSPs are instituted depending on the severity and consistency of behaviors.  A BSP is designed to better manage individual behaviors and help students become more successful in class by teaching and/or reinforcing replacement behavior.  Recommendations for BSP’s occur after an incident of a significant inappropriate behavior and/or multiple infractions. A BSP may be developed for students whose self-stimulatory behaviors, or other behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, interfere with learning.  These may include, but are not limited to: screaming, pacing, and avoidance of eye contact.  Parents may be notified following any of these types of behaviors to discuss the need to develop a BSP.  Whenever possible, self-monitoring tools will be used to help support student behavior.

Social Skills Classes

Social skills are embedded throughout the school curriculum. As part of our elective series, social skills may also be taught in daily social skill classes. Areas of focus may include: communication skills, perspective taking skills, making and developing friendships, handling teasing and bullying, finding interests and hobbies, and accepting others. Additionally, executive functioning skills, such as organization and time management skills are taught and practiced. For those students in the 11th and 12th grades, social skills are taught in the transition program.  During those times, the emphasis is placed on social skills necessary for successful employment and adult living.  For more information on the New Vista School’s transition program, please refer to that section on the website.

Transition Program

The Transition Program coordinates a series of school and community based experiences leading the student to focus on the development of appropriate goals, work habits, and personal competencies. The focus and goal of the Transition Program is to support and guide the students to ensure they reach the highest level of independence and success as they move from the New Vista School environment into the community at large.

The Transition Program provides learning experiences in the real world environment. As per PL101-476 the Transition Program “is designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation”.

Home Economics

As New Vista School prepares for the 09-10 school year, it is anticipated that a home economics program will be offered. As part of the transition program, this will be an elective course open to high school students only.  As part of this class, students will learn living skills such as cooking, laundry, and home organization. This class will be part of our elective series in which all students will participate.

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Academic Programs

High School Academics and Transition Skills Program (HATS) Grades 9 – 12

New Vista School offers a high school program which provides academic learning and transition support for students looking towards a college or vocational placement.  Course offerings encourage academic excellence, intellectual stimulation, and executive functioning skills, while incorporating social skills development into the curriculum.  Students placed in the academic and transition program must attend five periods a day.

Teachers consult and collaborate with one another to correlate topics being taught in order to fully enhance student learning.  Curriculum is based on the California Teaching Standards and is adopted to meet the needs of New Vista School students.

Students are NOT required to take and/or pass any high stake exit exams in order to receive their diploma.  Students may earn a high school diploma by meeting New Vista School’s requirement of 22 credits in the following areas. Graduation requirements are effective for the Class of 2011.  Students currently enrolled at New Vista School will be expected to complete as many of the minimum requirements as possible during their remaining years in high school.  (New Vista School does not offer independent study.)

Year courses = 1 Credit

Semester Courses = .5 Credits

Semester Courses (meets 2 or 3 times a week) = .25 Credits

English: 4 Credits

Health: .5 Credits

Mathematics: 2 Credits

Physical Education: 2 Credits

Science: 2 Credits, including one class in each of the following areas:

-          Physical Science

-          Life Science

Social Skills: 2 Credits

Social Studies: 3 Credits including:

-          World History

-          US History

-          American/Government Economics

Transition: 2 Credits

Electives: 4.5 Credits

High School Interdisciplinary and Transition Skills Program (HITS) Grades 9 – 12

In addition to our HATS program, New Vista School provides a second program which leads to a high school diploma.  Students are enrolled in the High School Interdisciplinary and Transition Skills Program when a student has demonstrated the need for a more specialized and intense education.  Placement in the program may be a requirement for enrollment at New Vista School.

Students in the HITS Program are provided with a curriculum which includes social and life skills that prepare students as they move towards further independence and competence in everyday life needs. Students are also typically enrolled in the Reading Specialist Program and Math Program.

Our focus is to provide a functional curriculum that helps each of our students develop self-advocacy skills, functional academics, transportation and mobility skills, and community involvement while incorporating social skill development.  Our aim is to help students learn, develop, and strengthen their communication, problem solving, and decision making skills so they can use these tools to successfully navigate through adult life.

Students are NOT required to take and/or pass any high stake exit exams in order to receive their diploma.  Students may earn a high school diploma by meeting New Vista School’s requirement of 22 credits in the following areas.  Graduation requirements are affective for the Class of 2011.  Students currently enrolled at New Vista School will be expected to complete as many of the minimum requirements as possible during their remaining years in high school.  (New Vista School does not offer independent study.)

Year courses = 1 Credit

Semester Courses – .5 Credits

Semester Courses (meets 2 or 3 times a week) = .25 Credits

English/Reading: 4 Credits

Mathematics: 2 Credits

Physical Education: 2 Credits

Science: 2 Credits including any of the following:

-          Science in Everyday Life

-          Science in the News

Social Skills: 2 Credits

Social Studies: 2 Credits including:

-          Applied U.S. History & Geography

-          Applied American Government and Economics

Transition: 2 Credits

Electives: 6 Credits

Middle School Academic and Transition Skills Program (MATS) Grades 6 – 8

New Vista School offers a middle school academic/transition program which provides students with academic growth opportunities while integrating social skills development throughout the curriculum.  All students are enrolled in the core curriculum courses which are guided by the California Teaching Standards:

English/Literature

Mathematics

Health

Science

Social Studies

Curriculum is molded to meet the achievement levels of each student.  Students are placed in mathematics coursework as based on their current achievement and performance levels.

Students have the opportunity to select elective courses at the beginning of each school semester.  Availability of elective opportunities will be based on academic, transition, and social skill needs and at the discretion of New Vista School faculty.

Functional Academics for Middle School Education (FAME) Grades 6 – 8

Students are enrolled in FAME when a student has demonstrated the need for a more individualized and specialized education.  Placement in the program may be a requirement for enrollment at New Vista School.

The FAME curriculum includes math, social studies, science, and literature. All subjects are based on the California Standards and are reflective of current student achievement levels.  Students will develop executive functioning skills, self-advocacy skills, functional academics, and social skills.  In addition, students will participate in the Reading Specialist Program two periods a day.  The FAME curriculum is geared to develop and strengthen our students’ communication and decision making skills so they can successfully navigate life.