In
a setting with skilled special education teachers,
experienced milieu aides, and licensed clinical social
workers, students receive support in all aspects of their
school functioning. All of the students have special needs
as defined by Chapter 766 and benefit from small classes,
clearly defined expectations, and a comprehensive clinical
component. Individual, group, and family counseling are
integral components of the program, and medication
management is offered for those students in need.
Academics
Students
appropriate for South Shore High are academically focused
and motivated to overcome the challenges that have stood in
the way of their success.
Small classes with special education certified teachers
challenge students while individualizing curriculum to
address issues related to learning style. See our
staff in the shot above.
While some classes are designed to remediate gaps, many
college prep classes are available to help students realize
their learning potential.
Clinical Services
A
therapeutic day school, South Shore High offers students a
wide range of clinical services integrated into their school
day.
School-based social workers provide individual treatment,
group therapy, family work, and a variety of therapy groups.
Students
develop and practice coping strategies to assist them in
managing a range of emotional and interpersonal struggles.
Focus is
placed on helping students learn to articulate their issues,
using words to resolve the difficulties that previously
surfaced through problematic behaviors.
In addition to school-based clinicians, psychiatric
management and consultation is available, as well as the
services of a full-time nurse with a background in
psychiatric medicine.
Behavioral Support
Students
participate in a level system that both tracks their
behavior as well as their performance on "personal growth
goals."
Students
identify the behaviors that have previously stood in the way
of their success and work to develop new responses.
Transition Services
A
Transition Coordinator assists students in transitional
planning including work-study and community-based
employment, college planning, and connecting with resources
in the community. All students are involved in a
transitional skills curriculum that extends from freshman
through senior year.
A Program within a Program
SSHS
has services that support students on the autism spectrum,
including high functioning autism, Asperger's disorder,
pervasive developmental delay, and nonverbal learning
disability. One classroom is dedicated to providing all core
content subjects as well as support in language pragmatics,
occupational therapy, assistive technology, and social
skills development. Students in need of these services are
transitioned into the "mainstream" at South Shore High as
they show readiness.
Suggested Resources
Asperger's Association of New
England
Department of Mental Health
Department of Children and Families
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education
Advice for Parents and
Educators from Dr. Jeff Turley, Consulting Pediatric
Psychiatrist
