Middle School Programs

"Language Learning for Lifelong Success"

SLCD's Middle School programs prepare students with language and autism spectrum disorders for a future of active participation and productive independence.  These programs are designed to meet the needs of students whose language and communication weaknesses prevent them from being successful in other academic programs even though they possess the cognitive underpinnings to manage a high school curriculum.  We accept students with language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, emotional disturbance, learning disabilities, mental retardation and other health impairments.  It is our belief that language learning provides the foundation for all content areas of academic instruction.

The Middle School Programs utilize an integrated curriculum which emphasizes an authentic learning approach to general education.  We believe that students more readily learn abstract and conceptual materials when they are embedded within practical and real life experiences. In order to access the general education curriculum and New York State Learning Standards, teachers use a differentiated instructional approach to individualize student learning.  Students at SLCD require intensive language intervention in the classroom to understand a general educational curriculum.

The Middle School Program (grades 6-8) at Glen Cove - provides services to students who require intensive related services such as: language, occupational and physical therapies. Classroom instruction is highly individualized with a collaborative teaching model using two teachers and two teaching assistants. Classrooms are organized based on students' levels of developmental functioning. Children with social and emotional problems may also receive ABA services on an individual and group basis. A formalized social skills training program is part of daily instruction as an evidence based methodology. Data are collected on all students with statistical analyses completed semi-annually. All students are evaluated for appropriate reading methodologies including: Fast ForWord, Wilson, Ed-Mark, Orton-Gillingham and Recipe for Reading Programs. Students receive 90 minutes of reading instruction on a daily basis. Individualized computer based instruction is also available to facilitate learning for children with central auditory processing disorders (CAPD).

The Middle School Program (grades 6-8) at Woodside - provides services to students who require less intensive related services. Classroom instruction in Woodside is different than in Glen Cove. This Middle School Program is approved for the following staffing ratios: 6:1:1 or 12:1:3 classroom configuration. This program is also more academically oriented with related services such as language and occupational therapy provided in group or as push-in services with intensive group counselling services. Classrooms are organized on grade levels providing students with an opportunity to access an intensive general education curriculum. All students receive periods of reading instruction (Wilson program), curriculum review and socialization training. There is also a school wide vocabulary training program with a home component which is being field-tested by Dr. Tiegerman, Dr. Radziewicz and Dr. Kassinove. Instructional data are collected on students with statistical analyses completed semi-annually.

There is also a music program at SLCD's Woodside campus. The music program is a sequential program that is dedicated to achieving standards of educational excellence for all students participating in the area of music study. The program has a clear objective: to enrich our students' lives through the art of music. Through a high quality of standards driven instruction in both music therapy and music education, students are given the opportunity to explore, interact and contribute to the school's culture, and further develop their appreciation to music and the arts.

The music program at Woodside is a four year comprehensive program that provides a positive learning experience in which students learn how to work cooperatively with one another and derive aesthetic growth. The programs allow multiple pathways for students to engage in music. The instructional program consists of a 30 minute weekly class for the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth grade in small group classes. Participation in this program provides an outlet for individual creativity and expression while reinforcing the importance of the individual and the success of the group. All students at the School for Language and Communication Development presently participate in the area of music study.

Students in music study a variety of the basic elements of music, ranging from beginning musicianship, and appreciation to instrumental study. Emphasis is on developing musical skills and techniques that nurture emotional development and foster creative thinking. These activities are done in their class lesson, where students focus on basic music theory including note reading, rhythmic studies, diction, music symbols, definitions and terminology. These activities involve the application of melody, harmony, timbre, speech form and dynamics. Each student will learn to vocalize musically, play the recorder, and percussion instruments, allowing every child to contribute and grow musically at their own pace and as a group.

The goal of the music program is to enhance each student's ability, love and appreciation of music. We are dedicated to expanding our student's knowledge, individual expression of artistic skills in music, musical styles and genres representing the cultures throughout the world.

For further information on SLCD's Middle School Programs, please contact the Admissions Office at 516.609.2000, ext. 112.

A copy of the Middle School's application forms can be downloaded by clicking the links below or by calling the Admissions Office.

Middle School Application and Middle School Admission Procedure