A Gateway School education is individualized to enable each child to develop their speech, language, listening, social communication, and academic potential in order to establish a foundation for lifelong learning. Language experiences and direct instruction facilitate language, cognition and academic readiness for preschool students. For older students in Kindergarten, Grades one through six or a non-graded program, the curriculum incorporates language learning within the subject areas of reading, written language, mathematics, science and social studies. The development of social and adaptive/life skills for school and the community is fostered throughout the program for all students.
Our preschool, Kindergarten, and elementary classes consist of small groups of six to eight students with a low student-teacher ratio. Each student has an individualized education program based on his/her specific educational needs. The full-day Kindergarten and elementary classes are multi-age groupings of students ages 5 through 12 in Kindergarten, grades one through six, or a non-graded education program. Students are assigned to classes based on chronological age, language age, and the level of academic performance. Social skills and behavioral functioning are also taken into consideration in making class assignments.
Classes for pre-school aged children emphasize the development of language, cognitive and social skills as well as gross/fine motor and self-help skills. The daily class schedule includes time for directed play, a structured language group, readiness activities, free choice, motor activities and a snack.
Our Kindergarten and elementary classes provide instruction in language, academics, social skills and adaptive/life skills. Emphasis is placed upon strengthening language skills that support academic skills, social development and personal independence. Specialized instructional strategies are used to develop reading, written language, and mathematics skills. Instruction in the areas of science and social studies is hands-on, multi-sensory and emphasizes the development of language concepts that serve as the foundation for these subject areas. Instruction in social skills and adaptive/life skills is an important part of each student’s educational program and is integrated throughout the school day.
All students participate in weekly computer instruction and music, art, library, and recreation classes. Field trips and special events support the instructional program.
Special educators and instructional assistants implement the educational program for each student. The special education teachers are responsible for classroom management and modifying the curriculum to meet student needs as well as direct supervision of instructional assistants. All members of the child’s multidisciplinary team meet the training requirements of their professional associations and are certified and licensed in Maryland.
Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and all other aspects of a student’s educational program. A case manager is assigned to each student and team meetings are conducted for each student as the need arises. Meetings with parents and/or with representatives involved with the student from outside agencies are also scheduled as needed. Pre-IEP conferences are coordinated with parents prior to the annual review of the IEP to ensure parental involvement in the IEP process.
Gateway’s open-door observation policy promotes communication with families and community professionals.
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Gateway has embraced the method because we discovered that it has an enormously positive impact on our students and teachers.
The PBIS approach addresses a child’s problem behavior by identifying
This is a technical description of the process. What it means is that children understand clearly what type of behavior is acceptable, and what is not. They are called upon to do their best, when it comes to behavior. Good behavior is reinforced in a number of ways. Children at Gateway have numerous opportunities throughout the week to earn “gold” (gold doubloons), which they can use to “purchase” items at the Gateway store every Friday.
Enrichment activities include art, music, computers, recreation and library. Field trips, special events and performances provide our students with opportunities to apply skills they have learned in the classroom in the community.
Hearing and Speech AgencyHarry and Jeanette Weinberg Building 5900 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215 410.318.6780 hasa@hasa.org