Program Structure

TGS Program Structure…

…consists of the Core Program, Academic Intervention (AIP)  and Behavioral Support (BSP).  Aspects of both AIP & BSP are present in the Core Program, but the AIP and BSP allow more direct services to be allocated to students demonstrating greater needs in these areas. The information below provides a summary of the three programs. If you are interested in AIP or BSP, please ask for a detailed description.

TGS Core Program

All components of this program are provided to all full-time enrolled TGS students.

  1. Academic rigor commensurate with student ability, including independent study and college coursework if indicated.
  2. Core academic instruction in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts delivered via multi-modal learning model, in consideration of multiple intelligences and learning styles.
  3. Personal Projects™ program providing direct instruction in Executive Function, research, and presentation skills. 5-6 projects per year, student-selected topics.
  4. Integrated social support with daily monitoring and coaching including weekly Perspectives social communication and Real World 101 (RW101) life skills programs.
  5. School-wide positive behavior support system, targeting expected classroom behaviors and individualized executive function support.
  6. Transition services as appropriate to post-secondary goals, including weekly career/college course for HS students covering standardized test prep, career planning, and college/workplace support needs.
  7. Plus One personalized enrichment courses & activities  (school-based and/or community-based depending on student/family needs).

Academic Intervention Program (AIP)

In addition to TGS’ Core Program, students needing additional academic support may enroll in the AIP (maximum of two subjects).  AIP students will follow a similar daily schedule to all other TGS students, with academic intervention delivered during the school day.

Enrollment in the Academic Intervention Program is required for students with a documented learning disability in math, reading, and/or writing, or students who are up to two grade levels behind in 1-2 academic subjects. Temple Grandin School is not able to accommodate students who are 2 grade levels behind in more than 2 subject areas.

Academic Intervention Program – Additional Services

  1. Targeted, frequent assessment to guide intervention.
  2. Interventions developed specifically for TGS learners will incorporate intensive individualized study skills, organizational skills, and academic motivation.
  3. Students will receive 1:1 instruction with frequent, individualized positive feedback for performance to target low self-esteem related to past academic problems.
  4. Parents will receive progress monitoring updates in addition to regular grade reports.
  5. Interventionists will participate in all family conferences and provide a comprehensive report at the end of each school year.

The  AIP provides the above services at a cost of $2880 per subject, per year (maximum of two subjects).

Behavioral Support Program (BSP)

In addition to TGS’ Core Program, students needing additional behavioral support to function independently in the TGS environment may enroll in the BSP.

The goal of the BSP is to teach students the skills and strategies they need to be successful, independent learners in TGS’ socio-academic environment. Consistently observed behaviors of concern that may be addressed by this program include, but are not limited to:

  • personal space violations,
  • excessive interruptions during class,
  • physical and emotional regulation challenges,
  • extremely low frustration tolerance,
  • frequent technology misuse and/or internet addiction,
  • anger management,
  • frequent verbal or behavioral refusal to follow teacher instructions,
  • frequent work avoidance due to anxiety, and
  • need for significant adult support in order to engage in academic work.

Students who consistently demonstrate 3 or more of the above (or similar) behaviors may be candidates for the Behavioral Support Program. Recommendation for enrollment in the BSP will be based on a comprehensive review by TGS’ Support Team, including, but not limited to:

  1. Past and current diagnostic evaluations and reports;
  2. Behavioral concerns indicated by the BRIEF, BASC-2, and any other rating scales submitted during the admissions process;
  3. Past and current school performance and reports of classroom behavior;
  4. Parent and teacher input obtained from the TGS Program Placement Request form.

All BSP placement decisions are final. Students with a documented need for Behavioral Support will be required to enroll in the BSP in order to attend TGS. All BSP placements are evaluated yearly, with a minimum enrollment period of one school year.

All TGS admissions decisions, including inclusion in the BSP, will consider the needs of all students in the Behavioral Support Program as well as the larger TGS community. In order to provide adequate staffing and support for all TGS students, a limited number of BSP slots are available each year.

TGS’ Behavioral Support program is directed by a certified BCBA, with limited in-house psychological services provided by licensed professionals. As such, families may be able to bill the costs to their insurance carriers (please consult your financial adviser and/or health care representative).

Behavioral Support Program – Additional Services

  1. Functional Behavior Analysis with baseline data.
  2. Individual behavior plan creation and implementation by TGS’ Behavior Analyst.
  3. 1:1 support as needed to enable participation in TGS on-site and community-based activities to the maximum extent possible.
  4. Ongoing data collection with monthly progress updates.
  5. Additional consultation with TGS’ Support staff to support home-school coordination of processes.
  6. Behavior services directed by a BCBA or licensed psychologist, including direct instruction in self-regulation and coping skills, social interaction, and emotional control.
  7. Light counseling each week by a Licensed Professional Counselor or School Psychologist, to address anxiety, motivation, minor depression, social difficulties, or academic problems.
  8. Ongoing coordination of services with outside providers.

The  BSP provides the above additional services at a cost of$7200 per year.