AAC and a Focus on Adaptive Learning at SA

October is Augmented Alternative Communication Month and SA students and teachers are celebrating the diversity of ways that students communicate. The Special Ed team, including Kerry Connor and Kiersten Houser, have been working hard to share tools and resources that help students communicate with the whole school. These tools are designed for learners who are still working to build verbal language skills or are learning a new language. Even though these new technologies are brought in for specific students, they can be useful for anyone, Kerry explains. 

The Core Board on the SA playground reflects the symbols and images on the electronic tools and they allow peers to communicate with each other across language divides. The presentations that Kerry and Kiersten bring to each classroom help students understand that “the devices aren’t just ipads a few kids carry around, they are the pictographs that help students communicate their needs and feelings.”

New technologies that help students communicate are always on the horizon and AAC Month gives teachers and students a chance to see all the different ways they can communicate. In the class presentations everyone plays games, shares cues, and communicate using these tools. “It is a great way to build relationships, connections, and empathy”, Kiersten says.

This focus on communication is just one way that SA leans into and supports the many ways our students learn. The Adaptive Specials program is a hallmark of the unique thinking that happens at SA. Once a month, Kerry and Kiersten bring their students to library, PE, Art, Music, and EFS to have small groups and 1-1 practice for students who need support in the general ed specials. This has even included visits to Shelburne Farms. This is a wonderful opportunity for Mr. PK, Ms. Kestrel, Teacher Abbie, Ms. Managan, Mr. B to build relationships with the students and follow the kid lead on their learning journey. This extra time builds familiarity with routines and spaces that has led to greater success during the regular class time.