Elementary School Program (Ages 5-11)

Our Elementary School Program serves students ages 5-11, and offers a maximum 3:1 student to staff ratio in self-contained classes staffed with compassionate, skilled certified teachers. Many of our classes are staffed 2:1 or 1:1 to meet the unique needs of our students. Here, students lay the foundation for learning and independence by developing good classroom work habits and appropriate social behaviors.

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Students follow the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in English, Math, Social Studies and Science through individual, small group and whole class lessons. Our teachers use differentiated instruction to customize learning for each student, providing a balance of challenge and support. Technology is infused into lesson plans through the use of iPads, Smart Boards, and our computer lab.

Social skills and positive peer interactions are a major focus at The Forum School. In addition to teacher-directed social skills instruction, “incidental teaching” helps students learn, model, practice and use social skills throughout the day.

Elementary students participate in four specials – art, gym, music, and swimming – each of which is staffed by certified teachers. Swim lessons take place on campus in our indoor pool. Teaching assistants from the classroom accompany students to all specials to facilitate interaction and behavior management techniques utilized in the classroom to provide continuity across all school environments.

All classes include Community-Based Instruction (CBI) activities to help students learn and generalize skills they need in other settings, especially in the community!

Learning at Lunch

For many students, less structured times of the school day can be a challenge. Our “instructional lunch period” means that students eat together side-by side with teachers and staff in a supervised but relaxed environment. There, they learn table manners, conversation skills, and social skills. Most students eat in our fully equipped lunchroom, where hot lunch is offered every day at no cost to students.

Departmental Program (Ages 14-18)

Once students reach the age of 12, most will make the transition to either the Departmentalized Program or L.I.F.T. (Learning Independence for Tomorrow).

Our Departmentalized Program offers students a traditional middle school/high school experience, with an emphasis on developing executive functioning skills and independence as they travel between the four core academic subjects.

English, Math, Social Studies, and Science are taught through individual, small group and whole class presentations. With a minimum 4:1 student/staff ratio, students increase their independence and personal responsibility. Moving through their morning academic periods, students change classes and interact with different teachers and in-class support staff.

Students participate in four specials – art, gym, and music, swim. Sometimes, classes are combined to give students the opportunity to learn in larger groups. Swimming lessons take place at Montclair State University.

Students take part in WBL (Work-Based Learning), which offers on- and off-campus activities that promote civic engagement, employment, independent living, and functional life skills in natural settings.

Students also participate in Exploratory Classes, which offer enrichment activities and an engaging environment to deepen the students’ understanding of the concepts they have learned in the classroom.

At 16, students begin participating in SLE (Structured Learning Experience) activities to work on pre-vocational and vocational skills. At age 18, the instructional focus shifts to increase independence in vocational and life skills.

Transition Services

L.I.F.T. (Learning Independence for Tomorrow)

The Forum School’s L.I.F.T. Program is designed for students ages 12 and up who are ready to learn life and work skills to complement their academic schedules.

Students participating in the L.I.F.T. Program continue to engage in a full academic schedule 4-5 mornings per week, and 1-2 afternoons in their homerooms with their homeroom teacher, assistants and classmates.

In addition to their academic schedule, L.I.F.T. students participate in life skills and pre-vocational curriculums. Students work with their homeroom teacher and other L.I.F.T. teachers in hands-on experiences in which students can apply academic skills, increase independence, develop self-advocacy skills, build character and enhance individuality.

The L.I.F.T. curriculum is centered around four key areas:

LIFE SKILLS in which students learn in our newly stocked and furnished life skills center. Students learn about cooking and nutrition, and develop independent living skills such as bed making, cleaning, and laundry.

SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION prepares students to be productive members of their family, community, and work environment. Personal hygiene, socialization, and character building are learned in the classroom and in the community.

JOB EXPLORATION provides students with opportunities in job skill training, office tasks, and communication. Students also develop hands-on experience with computers and other technology.

MARKETPLACE allows students to learn about taking an idea from its inception to a finished product. Students explore product development and finances, and get hands-on experiences assembling and marketing their creations.

E.L.I.T.E. Program (Education Leading Individuals Toward Employment)

The Forum School’s E.L.I.T.E. (Education Leading Individuals Toward Employment) Program is designed for students ages 18 through 21. The E.L.I.T.E. Program prepares our students to enter society and join the workforce to the maximum extent possible. Depending on the individual, this could mean full- or part-time work, supported employment, or a combination of these.

E.L.I.T.E. Program students start each day by setting their own schedule, filling in their day with the times they will be going out for Structured Learning Experiences (SLEs or job placements), when they will be working on functional academic skills, their related services, and any teacher-led group activities. Once set, they move throughout their day supported by classroom assistants and job coaches.

The E.L.I.T.E. curriculum focuses on functional academic skills that will help them be as independent as possible once they leave our program. Students learn scheduling and time management skills, personal finance and budgeting skills, reading and writing skills, and more, taught at the student’s individualized level and based on the New Jersey 21st Century Life and Career Standards. Executive function and “soft-skills” for the workplace are taught in-house and then practiced and reinforced in the local community.

E.L.I.T.E. students leave the school building several times per week to practice work skills at their local job sites. As students begin to develop a preference for certain jobs, time spent at those locations is increased. Students also learn to use public transportation, identify and engage in preferred leisure activities, and independent living skills that address Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Families of students in our E.L.I.T.E. Program are supported as they work collaboratively with our School Social Worker and their child’s Child Study Team to develop an effective transition plan that establishes community ties before graduation, and limits gaps in service once the student turns 21 and is ready to exit the program.

Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Forum School students ages 16 and over participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL), which offers opportunities to clarify career goals, explore career options and interests, and develop specific skills and habits employers want. Through WBL, the world becomes our classroom, with instruction talking place off-campus at a partnering workplace, agency or non-profit organization. Each student’s WBL is custom designed to make the transition from school to employment, or further education and training, manageable and achievable.

Students engage in workplace activities under the direct supervision of The Forum School staff. Our school-wide social and language instruction follows students and adapts from setting to setting as they move through the community. WBL is vital for our young adults as they explore vocational opportunities and develop confidence. Through WBL, students identify their strengths and preferences.

Our business and agency partners consistently report that our students are valuable contributors to their workplaces and organizations. The Forum School currently has more than three dozen placement options in the Bergen County area, including two major hospitals, restaurants, and local offices. In addition, we offer on-campus work opportunities, through our Green Visions electronics recycling program.

Related Services

Our fully credentialed professionals provide related services – Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Counseling – to support student success. They work with students individually and in small groups, and provide services based on each student’s IEP.

Using “pull out” instruction, students leave the classroom to receive highly focused services as they work with a therapist in a private therapy room or another school setting. Sometimes called “push in services,” our therapists can work with the student and teacher to help the student use skills where they are needed most – in the classroom and in life. This approach can also ease transition difficulties for students.

Goals for related services are highly individualized and are determined each year by the IEP team, which includes the parent.

At The Forum School, we know that a ‘team approach’ matters, so we work to support partnerships between therapists, teachers, and parents. Collaboration allows us to share ideas and strategies, which we use to design an individualized therapeutic program that support positive growth in school, at home, and in the community.

Counseling, Nursing, and Psychiatry Services

We recognize that student learning and behavior are complex, and that our student’s “inner lives” matter. Our psycho-educational approach integrates traditional behavioral learning, which includes motivational systems and rewards, with a therapeutic perspective that nurtures, guides, and gently supports students and their families, helping to get at the root of challenges for lasting change.

Our full time Licensed Clinical Social Worker, full-time and a part-time nurse, a part-time counselor, as well as a consulting psychiatrist meet weekly with the principal and supervisor of instruction to address any behavioral challenges our students may be facing.

In addition to classroom based behavioral strategies, our psychiatrist can review medications and make recommendations for parents to consider. All members of the team are available to collaborate with outside professionals at the request of the student’s parents, provided the necessary release forms are signed and on file.

We understand that many of our students will face periods of challenging behavior. We are ready for that, and work as a team to formulate a plan of action designed to get students back to their personal best!

Behavior Supports

Whether helping students to learn new skills, or working with them to reduce behaviors that are not compatible with learning, our educators begin from a place of compassion.

We understand that challenging behavior is a way of communicating. So we use a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to understand why a behavior is occurring.

We use a range of positive behavioral supports to teach students more effective and appropriate ways of communicating their needs. Each classroom has a customized motivational system that encourages students to learn and use good behavior. Students can earn opportunities for extra privileges, small toys and gadgets, or a special treat.

Our board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) supports classroom teachers and therapists as they work with students to reduce negative behaviors and increase adaptive skills, and bring a behavioral perspective to teaching important life skills such as communication and self-care.

Specials

Our ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM is designed to give students the skills necessary for a lifetime of leisure, recreational, and sports experiences. Our program follows an elementary through high school curriculum.

Our overall goals include enhancing gross motor skills, sensory integration, motor planning, individual and group play, and social skills. Students engage in skill building activities and game play to prepare them to participate in play and leisure activities with family members and friends. Bicycle riding, use of fitness equipment, a rock climbing wall, and in-school intramurals round out the program.

We offer our students the opportunity to explore many activities and help them to discover activities that they can enjoy throughout their lives.

The ART PROGRAM is based on the concept of “process rather than product.” Our younger students are taught the building blocks of expression: color, line, shape, and design. We build on these skills by exposing the students to a variety of mediums and art techniques, such as, paint, collage, sculpture, and clay. Introducing students to the works of famous artists helps to broaden their knowledge and encourage artistic awareness.

Technology is incorporated into the curriculum for research, photography, and creative expression.

As the students refine their art skills, problem-solving techniques are employed to further their creativity and expression. “Artists of the Week” are selected and their work is proudly displayed for all to enjoy. All students also participate in an annual Art Show where their creations are displayed throughout the building.

The goal of the Art Program is to provide and encourage the love of art… and to have fun in the process!

All ELEMENTARY classes participate in The Forum School SWIM PROGRAM. Our Swim Program guides students to meet new challenges. Whether the student is water adjusted and ready to go, or on the cautious side, we help them progress through the fundamentals of swimming at their own pace. The Forum School’s campus is equipped with a cheerful, secure, 3½ feet deep indoor pool where children learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Our students experience “fun” in the therapeutic environment, while learning safety skills and gaining all the additional positive health benefits and socialization skills that accompany swimming.

The MUSIC PROGRAM strives to reach each student, class, and performing group at their own level and encourages them to reach their highest potential. Both music education and music therapy goals are addressed so the students are not only learning to play music, but are also increasing their cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills. Singing, movement, and instrumental activities are part of every music class. There is an annual spring show in which all of the classes perform for families and friends.

The Forum School also has a chorus and a hand chimes group. Students that are invited to participate in the chorus practice singing in unison and harmony, while the hand chimes group learns how to perform as a group reading notes off of music charts. Each of these groups performs a holiday concert in December, and travels out to sing in nursing homes, group homes, malls, and other venues several times throughout the year – giving back to the local community.

Our goal is that every student can learn to experience the feeling of joy, accomplishment, and satisfaction of music expression!

Extended School Year (ESY) Program

Our Extended School Year (ESY) program, which takes place during the month of July, is designed to minimize the regression that many of our students experience when they go for extended periods of time without instruction. This is not camp – it is an extension of the learning that takes place during the traditional academic year. The curriculum emphasizes maintenance and growth of the academic, social, motor, and communication skills learned during the school year. Swimming, art, music and physical education are provided several times a week. All ESY related services are provided according to the IEP. Typically, ESY services are included as part of a student’s IEP and are provided at no cost to parents.