PK - Grade 8 Programs

Special education programs and services in Brookline are designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive setting, meaning that regular education classrooms have the appropriate aids and support, alongside non-disabled peers as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.

Brookline offers several programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities which are described below. Related services are also provided and are listed following the program descriptions. The professional staff that delivers special education services are certified and trained to work with a wide range of students with specific disabilities. When the nature and/or severity of the student’s disability is such that a less restrictive environment with the use of supplementary aides and services would not meet the student’s needs consideration is given to district-wide programs and then to collaborative and out-of-district placements.

Through the IEP team process, students can receive services in any composite program designed individually and drawing from our comprehensive resources.

Learning Centers

Learning Centers are available in all elementary schools and are designed to provide a range of services to students with mild to moderate disabilities. These centers focus on helping students meet grade-level curricular demands.

Services may include direct instruction in reading, mathematics, and written language, as well as support in developing organizational skills, executive function skills, and study skills. Instruction is provided through small-group and individualized approaches to help students achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Learning Center special education teachers consult with general education staff and families as needed. They also assist in developing and implementing appropriate modifications and accommodations. Learning Centers support students and teachers in understanding each student’s strengths and needs, while fostering self-advocacy skills appropriate to each grade level.

Learning Center Key Points

• Supports students in meeting curricular demands
• Provides direct instruction
• Offers academic support
• Develops organizational skills
• Supports classroom accommodations and modifications
• Builds study skills
• Strengthens executive function skills
• Provides instruction and support in the use of assistive technology
• Promotes disability awareness and self-advocacy skills

System-Wide K-8 Programs

System-wide programs exist in Brookline to provide students with intensive disabilities a higher level of individualization and support as well as structured, separate environments when deemed necessary by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

Adaptive Learning Center Program (ALC) – Lincoln School

The Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) serves students in grades K–8 with a wide range of disabilities, including developmental, physical, and cognitive disabilities.

The program supports students with complex academic and, in some cases, medically complex needs by providing specialized instruction and services tailored to each student.

Language & Academic Home Base (LAHB) – Driscoll School

Reaching for Independence Through Structured Education (RISE) – Roland Hayes School | Runkle School

The RISE program uses a team-based approach to support students through academic instruction, social skills development, behavioral intervention, and related services.

Services are provided across a range of settings, from substantially separate classrooms to full inclusion in general education environments, based on individual student needs.

A primary focus of the RISE program is to increase student independence in areas such as self-help, social skills, behavior management, academics, communication, and executive functioning.

Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) – Ruffin Ridley (formerly Coolidge Corner) School

The Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) is a special education program that provides academic and supportive services for students with emotional disabilities that impact learning.

Based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), services may include direct instruction in a separate setting, support in general education classrooms, environmental adaptations, positive behavior intervention plans, instruction in relaxation techniques, and counseling.

Contacts

• Dr. Nadene Moll
  Director of Special Education
  BEEP, Pierce, and Driscoll Schools
  nadene_moll@psbma.org
  (617) 730-2799
• Rebecca McCabe
  Director of Special Education
  Hayes, Lincoln, and Runkle Schools
  rebecca_mccabe@psbma.org
  (617) 879-4956
• Dr. Anna Bauer-McTigue
  Director of Special Education
  Florida Ruffin Ridley, Lawrence, and Baker Schools
  anna_bauermctigue@psbma.org