Curriculum

In teaching children with autism, the initial emphasis is on teaching the skills necessary to be able to learn, called “learning readiness.” These skills include attending, imitation, play, social interaction, behavioral compliance, and the ability to communicate. These Learning Readiness skills are interwoven into daily academic instruction utilizing the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis. Our curriculums include specific teaching that moves students to an appropriate level of independence applicable to each individual. Teaching and reinforcement of communication and socialization skills is constantly incorporated into the daily activities of our students.

Texas Standards

Texas has adopted curriculum standards that are to be used in all the state’s public schools. The current standards, which outline what students are to learn in each course or grade, are called Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Shine Academy adheres to all Texas state educational standards as applicable to each student, as defined in the TEKS for school-aged children from Kindergarten through age 12.

Shine IEP

Shine Behavioral Academy develops and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for all students of Shine Behavioral Academy, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-IDEA (1990), and subsequently the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act-IDEIA (2004). All IEPs are developed specifically for each student, adhering to all state and federal requirements for grade and functioning levels. All Shine Behavioral Academy IEP’S are comprehensive in nature and are performed by our Lead Special Education Teacher along with the Clinical Director and BCBA of Shine Behavioral Center, this collaboration puts a concentrated focus all required content areas for each child including language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, functional living skills, physical education and health sciences. Shine Behavioral Academy teachers work as a collaborative team with parents throughout the school year, meeting directly with your child’s teacher to ensure each student’s curriculum progresses at the best level possible.

The course work at The SHINE BEHAVIORAL ACADEMY will be individualized for all students.
The program will not be grade determinant, and the students will work at a level commensurate to his/her abilities. The program of study will contain:

Our Curriculum Partner

Curriculum and instruction at the SHINE BEHAVIORAL ACADEMY shall be derived from that used at The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism (Cleveland, OH.) The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism (CCCA) has provided a full continuum of services for people with autism using behavioral science and applied behavior analysis for over 18 years. All curricular materials have been purchased from CCCA and are used with their permission. All curricula shall be in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1400, et seq.

A course of study shall be adopted for each individual child in the program, and shall be based on the philosophy of education and educational goals in the child’s Individualized Education Program (hereafter “IEP”). Each course of study shall prescribe what is to be taught, specify subject matter objectives, establish a scope and sequence, and provide a basis for pupil evaluation.

Courses of study shall be reviewed and updated at least once every six months by SHINE BEHAVIORAL ACADEMY.