What is a Structured
Learning
Environment?
Program
No one
wide
Methodology
(Graduated
used
Guidance)
Limited
Literacy
Literacy
Instruction
AccessDaily
Communication
Communication
system used
systems used
throughout the
during specials
day 100 planned
and group time
Opportunities
Personal
Personal
care
Independence
opportunitiesin
self-care
and
limited
due
to
behavior
schedule
The
Structured
Typical
Cedar
Learning
Lane
Environment
Classroom
Every
Classroom
Daily Schedules
is
forSchedule
student/staff
different
w/3
IST’s
Inclusion
Typical Peers &
Opportunities
Daily Inclusion
not Equal for all
for all students
Multiple
Limited
Mobility
Mobility
opportunities
daily
Motivational
Learning,
30-50 % pairing
Down
reinforcement
Time Daily
80% engagement
• It is a classroom
that provides each
student with
individualized
structured
teaching
throughout the
school day and
multiple
opportunities to
practice skills
• A classroom where
physical space is
organized to
promote student
independence, active
engagement and
positive peer
interactions
• A classroom that is
motivating,
reinforcing and
behaviorally
functional
What else?
• It is a classroom that maintains coherent and
intensive instruction and evaluation (curriculum
based)
• It is a classroom that uses research validated
methods to meet the individual needs of the
student (graduated guidance, errorless, etc.)
• It is a classroom that proactively provides
progress information to the teacher and student
(data driven)
• A place where intentional teaching
occurs (planning, preparation with supports for
students and adults)
• In other words.........
A Place Where Kid’s Learn The Most
What are the benefits?
o The teacher has complete control over what is being learned and can provide
more prebuilt opportunities for learning.
o Teachers will be able to be better organized to maximize learning time for
students.
o Encourages consistency/integration of services
o Since the outcomes are specific the learner can be assessed in more reliable ways.
o Research has found that students in organized and structured classrooms
demonstrate more on-task behavior and higher academic achievement (Heflin &
Alberto. 2001).
o When students learn how to follow procedures they are more secure about their
environment and what is expected of them.
o Should see fewer behavioral issues when students are all able to be kept busy
appropriately.
o Students will be better able to use assistive technology in all environments.
o Maximizes staff time for instruction to students..
o Will provide opportunities for more in depth training of paraprofessionals
What Are The SLE Keys To Success?
Student focused
Good Planning
Collaboration
Ongoing
Evaluation
IEP goal driven, differentiated instruction (universal
design) active engagement, communication system used
throughout the day, most to least prompt hierarchy
Objectives aligned with curriculum, Planning for 3 IST’s plus 100
communication opportunities daily, developing routine based schedule
(staff/student), instructional systems and appropriate methodology (ie
Graduated Guidance) literacy instruction throughout the day
Co-planning with staff, co-teaching with other classrooms,
sharing of student information (goals, behavioral etc.)
with Para's and other classroom staff, home visits,
coaching staff/parents
Develop and instruct the use of appropriate data
systems, environmental set up for structured learning
(small groups/individual and large group), positive
behavioral supports, participate in professional
development
How do we get there?
• Setting goals for our students (Inclusion, Mobility, Communication,
Literacy)
• Setting commitments for ourselves (How is my classroom a
structured learning environment? I can make it better!)
• Participating in staff development to establish highly structured
learning environments for all students
• Working and planning collaboratively with RA, RS, Para’s and other
classroom teachers
• Ongoing evaluation and revision (weekly minimum)
SLE program component checklists for EC
SLE program component checklists for Primary
SLE program component checklists for
Intermediate
SLE things to remember
• Utilizes active learning strategies and curriculum based instruction
• Incorporates graduated guidance (or other instructional strategies, as
appropriate) to meet individual child needs
• Incorporates communication system into all instructional activities
• Incorporates literacy instruction throughout the daily routine
• Differentiates instruction to accommodate the child’s developmental level
and learning style
• Utilizes a prompt hierarchy (most to least) and provide potent
reinforcement to ensure success
• Includes at least 3 intensive structured teaching sessions per day for skills
that require massed teaching opportunities for each child
• Designs at least 100 opportunities daily for use of functional
communication skills
• Students are engaged 80% of their time in school
• Utilizes appropriate data systems to document student progress
Program wide
Methodology
(Graduated
Guidance)
Literacy
Instruction Daily
Communication
system used
throughout the
day 100 planned
Opportunities
Personal
Independence in
self-care and
behavior
Structured
Learning
Environment
Daily Schedules
for student/staff
w/3 IST’s
Typical Peers &
Daily Inclusion
for all students
Multiple
Mobility
opportunities
daily
Motivational
Learning, pairing
reinforcement 80%
engagement