How Leveled Learning Works
Before the school year begins, every student is assessed in reading and math to determine their academic performance levels. These assessments allow us to place students in classes that align with their strengths and areas for growth. However, academics are only one part of the equation. Other important factors we consider include:
- Age and Grade Level: Ensuring students are placed with peers close to their age for social compatibility.
- Developmental Level: Matching instruction to each student’s cognitive and emotional readiness.
- Social Needs: Creating classroom environments that support positive peer interactions and social development.
- Class Size: Maintaining small class sizes to provide individualized attention.
- Student-Teacher Match: Pairing students with teachers who are skilled in meeting their specific learning needs.
This thoughtful approach ensures that every child is placed in an environment where they can thrive academically while feeling supported socially and emotionally.
Why Leveled Learning Matters
Students with autism often have uneven skill profiles—they may excel in one subject while needing additional support in another. Leveled Learning allows us to address these differences by creating customized learning paths for each student.
This approach helps reduce frustration, build confidence, and foster a love of learning by ensuring that instruction is neither too difficult nor too easy. Additionally, leveled learning supports the development of critical life skills such as self-advocacy, resilience, and collaboration by placing students in environments where they feel both supported and challenged.
Leveled Learning for Neurodiverse Learners
Leveled Learning allows us to meet students where they are academically while also exposing them to grade-level content through differentiated instruction. For example:
- A seventh-grade student performing at a fifth-grade reading level will receive targeted reading instruction at their current level. At the same time, they will be introduced to grade-level concepts using tools like the Essential Elements curriculum, which breaks down complex standards into manageable steps for neurodiverse learners.
- Conversely, a seventh-grade student excelling in math at a tenth-grade level will be placed in an advanced math class that challenges them appropriately, ensuring they continue to grow academically.
Our ultimate goal is to help students performing below grade level make steady progress toward grade-level proficiency while providing advanced learners opportunities to excel further.
A Holistic Approach: Beyond Academics
Leveled Learning at Spectrum Academy goes beyond academics by addressing the whole child. For students with autism or similar neurodiversities, social-emotional growth is just as important as academic progress.
By carefully considering factors like social dynamics and developmental readiness, we create classrooms where students can form meaningful relationships with peers while also receiving the individualized support they need.
Partnering with Families
We know that parents are vital partners in their child’s education. That’s why we prioritize open communication about placement decisions and encourage families to share insights about their child’s strengths, challenges, and goals.
Together, we can create a learning environment where your child feels understood, supported, and empowered to succeed.
At Spectrum Academy, our leveled placement model reflects our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every student with autism or other neurodiverse conditions.
By combining personalized instruction with thoughtful classroom dynamics, we help each child build confidence, achieve academic growth, and develop the skills they need for lifelong success!
What Leveled Placement Looks Like for Neurodiverse Learners
Leveled placement allows us to meet students where they are academically while also exposing them to grade-level content through differentiated instruction. For example:
- A seventh-grade student performing at a fifth-grade reading level will receive targeted reading instruction at their current level. At the same time, they will be introduced to grade-level concepts using tools like the Essential Elements curriculum, which breaks down complex standards into manageable steps for neurodiverse learners.
- Conversely, a seventh-grade student excelling in math at a tenth-grade level will be placed in an advanced math class that challenges them appropriately, ensuring they continue to grow academically.
Our ultimate goal is to help students performing below grade level make steady progress toward grade-level proficiency while providing advanced learners opportunities to excel further.
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