ASOP’s approach to providing an individualized curriculum and teaching executive function skills is implemented through:

• diagnostic testing to determine strengths and weaknesses, to prescribe appropriate materials for advancement, and to eliminate unnecessary hours of instruction

• intensive personalized instruction to allow students to advance academically at their own pace, to master each step in the sequence of learning before proceeding, and to consistently challenge students to achieve with success

• low student – teacher ratios (7:1) to foster positive interactions, to provide close teacher supervision, and to keep students actively engaged throughout the class

• daily report cards to let students know how they are progressing each day and to provide essential communication between the school and the parents

• an effective reward management system to provide tangible, meaningful rewards to the students and to motivate students to realize their maximum learning potential

• scheduling flexibility that allows a student’s class schedule to be changed as needed

• a structured classroom to minimize distractions for relaxed, efficient learning and to create a safe and predictable environment

• strict accountability for work completion to help students manage their time, to eliminate procrastination, and to require students to be active participants in class

• immediate feedback on performance to help students understand errors as a learning opportunity for growth and success

• realistic homework expectations to review and reinforce skills and concepts taught in class, to develop personal responsibility outside of direct supervision, and to work independently with less parent involvement

• computers as a classroom tool to complement teacher-led instruction and to increase focus, concentration, and work production in a responsible manner

• resource period each day to develop a small community among students

• incorporation of executive function skills into all instruction to strengthen focus, concentration, task initiation, planning, time management and organization.

ASOP prioritizes social emotional learning through:

• one-on-one visits with the School Counselor

• the Pathways program, which allows students to explore mental health topics in small groups

• the Calm Corner, a special area in the Counseling Center designed to help students regulate their emotions

• an Ambassador Program, which pairs incoming students with peer mentors

• a Therapy Dog program, which has two staff dogs certified through Pet Partners

• opportunities to socialize, including lunch and break times, Friday 7th-period clubs, field trips, holiday parties and other student enrichment activities.

Finally, ASOP fosters a safe and compassionate learning environment through:

• a culture of respect, diversity and belonging

• zero tolerance for bullying

• teacher-student relationship building

• celebrations of student accomplishments.