The Community School Inc. -- A private, specialized program designed to better educate the Learning Disabled. (About CHS)

ACADEMICS PROGRAM

Community School offers students a complete elementary curriculum in the areas of computers, language arts, mathematics, public speaking, reading, science and social studies, spelling, development of study skills and importance of homework.

COMPUTER PROGRAM:
The Computer Program is designed to ensure literacy in computer technology, familiarity with computer peripherals and comfort with a variety of software programs. Word processing is used widely across the curriculum.

When developmentally appropriate, students can manipulate, analyze and organized information from a variety of sources, acquire the skills to combine text, graphics and sound in reports and presentations, and develop effective communication and research skills. Our students readily learn how to navigate productively through cyberspace.

HOMEWORK & STUDY SKILLS:
Homework is prescribed and related to individual needs, abilities and instructional objectives. Therapeutic principles are applied in holding children accountable for homework.

Study skills become increasingly important as basic skills are mastered. Research for report writing begins early, and requirements proceed to greater demand and complexity through middle and junior high school grades. Particular emphasis is placed on such skills during the student's last year in the elementary level. A series of reporting and research assignments are devised which provide opportunity for instruction in a wide range of data collecting, note taking and organizing skills. Most importantly, emphasis is placed on the "process" of report writing, integrating both language arts and content.

LANGUAGE ARTS:
Language Arts in all its aspects, receptive language, oral expression, speech, English grammar and usage, and the mechanics of written language, are addressed across the curriculum and in our therapy rooms. The formal grammatical structure of English is taught systematically for use as an aid to good written English. Grammar is integrated with the writing process as a practical tool. The instruction includes separating mechanics from composition during preliminary drafting.

In composition workshops, strategies for effective writing are developed. A word processor is used as the primary writing instrument, where manual writing might inhibit their performance. Aspects of Whole Language Theory are also employed. The children have the opportunity to see their material in print through a number of publications that are produced during the school year.

MATHEMATICS:
Mathematics is taught in small to medium sized groups of children, clustered according to level, instructional needs and learning style. New Material is often taught through the use of concrete aids. Emphasis is placed on number fact acquisition to the greatest extent possible without sacrificing advancement to new knowledge. The use of calculators during the math period is encouraged when approached.

Problem solving is an ongoing concern in all math groups. The practical skills of Mahoney, time calendar, weight and measurement are also considered. Finally, the language upon which math concepts and processes are based is introduced, defined and given frequent and intensive stress. Mental arithmetic and applications are featured in daily lessons.

READING & SPELLING:
Reading is taught in small groups of two or three children with similar reading levels and instructional needs. The goal is to engage children in the active process of reading for meaning as well as to develop the essential word identification skills. Children with serious dyslexia or reading disabilities are exposed to more specialized methods and may require one-one-one instruction. Both groups and individuals proceed at their own rate. They may move from level to level as rapidly as their skill development dictates.

Community School's reading instructors are adept at using multi-sensory methods such as Lindamood Phonic Sequencing Program and the ORTON-GILLINGHAM-METHOD. These programs are based on building a network of sound-symbol association using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile modalities. Specific methods are also employed to develop comprehension.

Spelling instruction is closely correlated with reading at beginning skill levels. The program is highly individualized with children assigned to daily spelling clinics according to achievement level and need. A prescriptive spelling program may feature phonics, whole word spelling, linguistic patterns or elements of all three, with weekly activities for practice and review.

SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES:
Science/Social Studies, the content subjects, help children acquire information, develop skills and foster thinking and creativity. Every attempt is made to follow a logical sequence of topics and to relate the instruction to the core curriculum standards adopted by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Of great importance is the opportunity to involve the children in discussion, reflection, writing, reading, study skill development, trips, projects and experience of many kinds. In addition, geography is taught for information and to develop skills in map reading and graphic aid interpretation as well as to expose children to aspects of other cultures.