Curriculum
Heartwood School Curriculum
Unique Learning Systems: Unique Learning System is a one-of-a-kind, standards-based curriculum designed specifically to help students with special learning needs master their state's extended standards. Educators can deliver differentiated, standards-aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tool and evidence-based instructional support. Students from Pre-K through transition have the advantage of consistent, high-quality instruction, a motivating interactive learning environment, engaging symbol support, and a path to independence. ULS has communication built right into each lesson that is differentiated to best meet the learner's needs including: specialized communication boards, symbolized text, and more. At Heartwood, all core subjects including: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Adult Living, Daily Living, Employability, and Self-Determination are taught using the Unique Learning System curriculum.
MOVE Program: In May of 2010, Heartwood School became a Model-Site with MOVE International. MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience) is an activity-based program used in homes, schools, day programs, and in the community. Using a top-down approach, MOVE combines the individuals present abilities with an instructional process during motivational activities to help the individual improve their mobility skills of sitting, standing, walking, and transitioning- leading to improved health, independence, dignity, and inclusion of the individual in the family and community. Learn more about MOVE here MOVE International.
CORE Vocabulary: CORE Vocabulary is for all individuals who require support to communicate and have a range of language abilities. CORE is a small set of commonly used words that support communication and language learning. 85% of what we say is communicated with only 200 basic words. We call these our "core" words. Core is consistent across place, topic, and cognitive ability. At Heartwood we have established a set of 36 words on our primary board. As of 2024, we are now incorporating CORE+ which includes student driven fringe and core vocabulary.
Zones of Regulation: Zones of Regulation is a curriculum geared toward helping students gain skills in consciously regulating their emotions. This in turn leads to increased control and problem-solving abilities. Zones are broken down into four parts: the Green Zone, the Red Zone, the Yellow Zone, and the Blue Zone. A core belief of the Zones of Regulation is that ALL the zones are okay.
Adult Transition: At Heartwood, Unique Learning Systems Transition band is used in conjunction with the Transition Skills Inventory to guide our adult aged students and prepare for them for life beyond school. The areas focused on include: Self-Determination, Employability, Adult Living, Daily Living, and Social Skills. Lessons are designed to replicate what student's would see in a "real world" situation. Classrooms focus on time, money, cooking, household tasks, social skills, vocational opportunities and more.
Daily Living and Social Skills: Classrooms dedicate time for instructing students to complete productive tasks like washing tables, sorting and putting dishes away, folding laundry and vacuuming. Instruction may also include learning their name, age, working independently and attending to a task. Classrooms actively teach social greetings, sharing, personal space, turn taking, waiting in line and making good-safe choices throughout the day.
Comprehensive Literacy For All: Literacy improves lives- and with the right instruction and supports, all students can learn to read and write. Comprehensive literacy is a set of tools and a foundation to help guide literacy instruction for learners with severe and complex learning needs. The core practices of Comprehensive Literacy are broken down into five main areas: Shared reading, shared writing, alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness, independent reading, and independent writing.
