DORCHESTER ACADEMY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Services for Students with Learning Disabilities

Students with a wide range of Learning Disabilities are able to participate in a full immersion special education program. Classes are all inclusive, and follow the same academically rigorous curricula followed by BPS and Dorchester Academy. Classes are taught by dual-certified teachers who are highly qualified in their content area. Resource specialists serve as liaisons between any general education elective teacher, and the special education staff to provide a comprehensive program that promotes the success of every student in the least restrictive environment.

Occupational Skills Development Curriculum (OSDC)

The OSDC program at Dorchester Academy focuses on Academic, Vocational and Life Skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of off-campus worksites, and are compensated with course credits, hourly wages, or both. Work schedules vary from student to student, and range from one to four days off site. While at Dorchester Academy, students are provided with individualized instruction that caters to their specific academic needs by our highly qualified educators.

Learning Adaptive Behaviors (L/AB)

The L/AB program at Dorchester Academy provides students with a therapeutic setting to address social-emotional disabilities. Programming includes individual and group therapy provided by a Clinical Coordinator, and Psychologist, as needed. The program strives to provide and academically rigorous curricula that mirrors the BPS and Dorchester Academy Curricula and Scope and Sequence for each content area. In addition to the ability to participate in all school electives, L/AB cluster students also participate in a health and wellness program through a partnership with the Dorchester YMCA that offers specific programming to support the progression to becoming a productive community member.

The L/AB Cluster Coordinator oversees programming, and also serves as a liaison between school, parents and any outside agencies. Through participation in a structured behavior intervention program, and comprehensive and individualized wrap-around services, students progress towards full inclusion in the general population of Dorchester Academy, and the greater community at large.