Adapting Curriculum and Classroom Environments for Student Success

2023

The Adapting Curriculum and Classroom Environments for Student Success (ACCESS) project is designed to provide educators, families, and community members with the necessary tools to improve educational outcomes for all students. ACCESS provides customized support to educators in Delaware public schools and districts through multiple initiatives. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guides schools in the implementation of strategies to address curricular and environmental barriers through the lesson planning process. This initiative offers educators a variety of professional learning opportunities consisting of face-to-face workshops, online modules, facilitation of grade-level planning meetings and teacher self-reflection, individualized coaching support, modeling of instructional strategies and lessons, and classroom observations. In addition to UDL, the project also provides support to school teams working with students with complex communication needs through the Systematic Processes for Enhancing and Assessing Communication Supports (SPEACS) initiative. Participants receive professional development consisting of communication and literacy strategies that promote the use of symbolic communication. SPEACS provides school teams with coaching support, as well as modeling of communication and instructional strategies, and planning support. The project also addresses how to balance standards-based instruction with the many other outcome areas that are vital for student success such as daily living, real-life application, and vocational training.

Performing Research or Evaluation, Continuing Education/Community Training

Education & Early Intervention

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Specific Groups

State

N/A