LEAP Handbook
LEAP HANDBOOK
The Lincoln Elementary Achievement Program provides academic instruction, behavioral support and therapeutic intervention for students in grades K-5.
Our intention is to provide an academic curriculum that is comparable to the traditional Cranford elementary school program. Academics are stressed and flexibility is allowed to meet the needs of our students. Our curriculum targets individual learning styles and strengths.
A structured behavior management system helps to monitor student progress and systematically award privileges. A consistent approach is used by the entire staff. Our school includes a strong, therapeutic component. Students are encouraged to be active participants in the therapeutic process.
CURRICULUM
The educational curriculum follows the Cranford School District Elementary School curriculum and includes the following components:
Language Arts
Reading
Social Studies
Math
Science
Physical Education/Health
Music
Art
Computers
Counseling
Social Skills
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy are provided in accordance with IEP mandates.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
A behavior management system is based on the need for each student to begin to self-regulate and experience social and emotional success in the academic environment. Our system is based on consistent positive reinforcement. Negative behavior is not rewarded.
The behavior management system uses a variable interval reinforcement system. Students are reinforced every 15-30 minutes. Reinforcement is based on behavioral goals and skills that are necessary to demonstrate self-control and social awareness. In addition, each child will have a designed target behavior that he/she will be working on.
At the end of the day progress is recorded and based on performance; students will have the opportunity to earn different activities. If students are unable to earn activity period, they will begin activity period with academic work.
Students can earn up to 12 tallies per day (10 for 4th & 5th graders), one for each interval. To earn a tally, students must receive a three or above in five or more skill areas on the behavior sheet. These skills measure self-control, social awareness and specific target behaviors. At the end of the day, students can participate in an activity period if they have a minimum of 8 (7th for 5th graders) tallies. At the end of the week, tallies are converted to percentages and students are placed on level system. Students will have the opportunity to engaged in various activities on Friday afternoon depending on the percentages of points they have earned.
FIELD TRIPS
Students will have an opportunity to go on relevant field trips throughout the school year. The class trip will be a privilege and students must meet the staff expectations to attend the trips.
COUNSELING
Students will receive individual counseling weekly in accordance with IEP mandates. The counselor will also be available on an as needed basis for students and work closely with teachers to insure academic and emotional success. Families are invited to be active participants in the therapeutic process.
SOCIAL SKILLS
Students will participate in social skills groups weekly. Social skills groups emphasize self-control, social awareness and problem solving. Social skill concepts are reinforced in classroom settings.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students will have the opportunity to participate in after school extra curricular offerings provided by their school district.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Meetings are held during the year to facilitate an open line of communication. Parents are encouraged to contact our staff throughout the year to monitor their child’s progress.
Formal meetings such as Back To School Night, IEP meetings, holiday concerts and the end of the year ceremony give parents the opportunity to see our school. Parents may request a meeting at any time to discuss their child’s performance.
BUS REGULATIONS
School begins and ends with the student on the bus. Appropriate bus behavior is required.