Hillcrest School SPED Program

Background and Description

The Hillcrest School Special Education (SPED) Program was implemented in response to the growing number of students identified with specific learning disabilities and those on the ADHD spectrum. These students faced academic and behavioral challenges within the general education setting, prompting the school to create a targeted solution.

To meet the emotional, cognitive, and academic needs of all students, the principals of Hillcrest’s elementary, middle, and high schools launched this program. It expands upon the existing Discovery Program, focusing on early intervention to strengthen students’ abilities while addressing their challenges effectively.

Scope

The SPED Program is structured around the Response to Intervention (RTI) model, a proven multi-tiered approach to addressing academic and behavioral needs within general education.

• Tier 1: All students receive high-quality, research-based core instruction designed to prevent and mitigate learning and behavioral difficulties.
• Tier 2: Targeted interventions are provided to students requiring additional support, with progress monitored frequently to ensure their needs are met promptly.
• Tier 3: Individualized, intensive interventions address specific student needs through diagnostic assessments and tailored accommodations.
• Tier 4: Comprehensive support, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and modified report cards, is available for students requiring specialized assistance.

The program also caters to high-achieving students by offering additional challenges to keep them engaged and motivated. However, it does not serve students with severe learning disorders requiring constant care and specialized facilities due to resource constraints.

Educational decisions regarding the intensity and duration of interventions are data-driven and based on individual student responses. This integrated approach unites general and special education into a cohesive system guided by measurable student outcomes.

Program Components

The SPED Program incorporates the following key elements to ensure its success:

• High-Quality Instruction: All students receive scientifically-based, high-quality instruction within the general education classroom.
• Ongoing Student Assessment: Student progress is monitored regularly using tools like MAP testing to evaluate achievement and curriculum effectiveness.
• Structured Instructional Techniques: Research-based interventions are implemented with increasing levels of intensity to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Parental Involvement: Parents are actively engaged through regular updates on their child’s progress, instructional strategies, and academic or behavioral goals.

Impact on Stakeholders

• At-Risk Students: Students identified through universal screenings or test results now receive supplemental instruction during the school day within their general education classrooms.
• Students Requiring Targeted Interventions: Those not making sufficient progress in the general classroom benefit from small-group interventions. In the early grades (grade k-3), interventions are usually in the areas of reading and math.
• Students Needing Intensive Support: Individualized, intensive interventions are provided for students requiring additional help, guided by specialists after comprehensive assessments.

Feedback from classroom teachers at all levels—elementary, middle, and high school—continues to shape decisions about intervention intensity and duration. This collaborative approach ensures a unified system of instruction and intervention supported by measurable student outcomes.

Implementation and Ongoing Efforts

Hillcrest School’s SPED Program is fully integrated into every classroom, addressing the diverse needs of its students. The program employs techniques that support children with diagnosed learning disabilities, stimulating cognitive and perceptual development to help them build competence and confidence in their learning journey.

Through its structured and proactive approach, the SPED Program has transformed how Hillcrest School supports students, ensuring academic, behavioral, and emotional success for all learners.