all student feelings, beliefs and behaviors are influenced ongoingly by environmental conditions

1A clinical classroom model for public schoolsANB

2NBA New Beginnings AlternativeA school-based program at Fitch High School in Groton, CT

for secondary students

who need special education and

intensive behavior support3NBA meets 3 major concerns for public schools1. Effective programming for adolescents with challenging behaviors

2. State and federal laws requiring students placed in the Least Restrictive Environment

3. Local district needs to limit school spending4

...in compliance with Special Education lawsNBA uses a Clinical Day School model...

similar to programs in other area secondary and middle schools... 5NBA is designed for:Students in grades 9-12 whose behavior interferes with their learning6The NBA staff assume:

All students are capable of high level learning

but all students dont learn in the same way - or at the same rate

7...and that all learning is influenced continuously by ...FeelingsBeliefsandBehaviors8Highly structuredandClosely supervisedBecause of this, some students learn best in a setting that is...9Without this, students can get locked into...Failure cycles andSelf defeating patterns of behavior10Often, these patterns are characterized by...Interpersonal conflictIneffective thinkingSchool failureandSelf doubt11School behaviors can appear...InappropriateIrresponsibleDisruptiveand sometimesDangerous12Removing students from the mainstream...for a period of time...can help them get back on a success track.13The mission of NBA is to help students become more successful in school... by addressing: feelings & relationships attitudes & beliefs behavior habits & skills14This Means Helping Students...to feel safe, capable and connected

to control and organize their behavior

to learn how to succeed

and to become responsible & self directed15This requires daily attention to:Feelings & relationshipsOrder & controlLearning needs & motivationSocialissues & skills16using several different program strategies17Highly structured learning environmentSmall group & individualized instruction

Incentives and rewardsSupportive relationshipsClear feedback about behaviorTherapeutic crisis managementProblem-solving counseling18These program components are designed to help students in 4 important ways:191st - By Addressing Psychological NeedsSafety & trustCompetenceInitiative AccomplishmentIdentity & belonging

202nd - By Planning For Academic Success

Teaching how they learn

Small group instruction

Engaging learning activities

Incentive strategies21Day-to-day student management practices based on behavioral learning principles

Clinical & supportive group process

Student empowerment3rd - By Building Self Control

22And 4th - By Teaching Social-Cognitive Skills

Self awarenessOwnershipCommunicationProblem solvingGoal setting & planning23 helping students rebuild... Self EsteemSelf ControlSelf DeterminationInterpersonal Relationshipsand School SuccessNBA -24keeping students in the LREandavoiding costly out-placements25NBA Staff2014-15Dr. Barbara Bronson School Psychologist Judith SantanelliSPED TeacherDave GruberSPED TeacherGail Narita Teacher AssistantBreanna GomezTeacher Assistant

Dr. Paul J. Pattavina SPED Supervisor

26Dr. Paul J. Pattavina Special Education Supervisor

Groton Public Schools

860/ 572-2157-for more information-