The RSEC Academy Middle School programs and approaches

The RSEC Academy Middle School programs and approaches for teaching students with learning disabilities include using technology, teaching methods and extracurricular activities tailored to best suit each student.

Technology

The RSEC Academy Middle School programs partner with Google for Education, which means students have access to engaging tools for students anytime, anywhere, on any device. Students are provided Chromebooks to use while in class.

  • Science lab, a rare asset for a school of our size
  • Mimeo smartboards in every classroom to integrate the curriculum into engaging visual and audio opportunities
  • Internet access for research
  • Online student submission process for students who work better in a paperless environment

Teaching approaches and methods

Our students and staff use Google for Education, and all students receive Chromebooks to use while in school.

  • Direct systematic, small group instruction: LiPS; Report and Story Form; Orton-Gillingham Reading Program; Step Up to Writing; Keys to Literacy; Framing Your Thoughts; Visualize and Verbalize; Master Notebook System; test preparation; individual student accommodations.
  • Social skills: By using fun and engaging experiential activities, students observe models, practice new skills, and receive feedback in natural settings and across the curriculum. Teachers process social skills “in the moment” during the flow of a team challenge or conflict.
  • Experiential-based Activities: Through adventure activities, day trips, overnights and multi-day learning expeditions connected to the middle school curriculum, we build student self-confidence, connect learning, and develop leadership skills. By stepping out of their comfort zones, students learn perseverance, support and growth.
  • Transition: The RSEC Academy Middle School programs collaborate with its sister program, The RSEC Academy High School. Together, we identify specific academic and social pragmatic skills to prepare students for the new challenges that come with ninth grade, either at The Academy or the high school in their home school district. The goal is to move students toward independence at a pace that is comfortable and challenging because nurturing these transitional skills promotes self-motivation, self-confidence, and self-awareness.

The Transitional curriculum focuses on:

  • Building self-advocacy skills
  • Responsibility at home, school and in the community
  • Problem solving/conflict resolution
  • Setting goals
  • Identifying effective versus ineffective habits
  • Creating new effective, academic habits
  • Leadership
  • Career exploration
  • Direct skill instruction in reading comprehension
  • Vocabulary development
  • Mathematics
  • Speech and language
  • Assistive technology
  • Study and organizational skills
  • Time management (homework, test preparation, project benchmarks)

Extracurricular activities at The RSEC Academy Middle School

Activities

We incorporate many of our experiential and adventure outings into the academic curriculum and reinforce the life skills and concepts that students experience in the real world. In addition to the options below, we encourage students to create their own groups to explore their interests. Examples may include:

  • Jam Night
  • Movie night and shopping
  • Video game night
  • Weekend sports outings to local games, such as the Manchester Monarchs, New England Revolution, New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Boston Bruins
  • Career days
  • Intensive sessions
  • Adventure-based activities, such as camping, hiking and skiing
  • Cooking classes
  • Student art show
  • Holiday events

For a full list of upcoming events, check out The RSEC Academy Middle School calendar.