RISE Program

The Reaching Individualized Student Excellence (RISE) at the Linda Nolen Learning Center is designed to meet the needs of students with multiple disabilities ages 5 to 21. Performance based assessments are used to develop Individualized Education Plans to assist each student in reaching their maximum potential. Plans are designed using developmentally appropriate and age appropriate skills. Skills such as applied academics, self-care, daily living, leisure choices, socialization, and communication are included in the student's daily routine.

Community Based Instruction (CBI) is the portion of instruction that occurs in the community after classroom instruction has taken place. Communication skills through the use of voice output devices, picture symbols, and speech/language therapy are designed to assist students in expressing needs and wants as well as improving their ability to interact socially. Inclusion activities with similar age peers provide training in social skills and behaviors within natural environments. Social settings provide a wide variety of situations for interpersonal interaction. Transition planning begins at age 14 to bring together students, parents, and professionals to identify and develop the skills and resources necessary to ensure successful post school adjustment.

STAR Program

Students . Transforming . Achieving . Resilient

The STAR Program is a program designed for students in grades K-8 who exhibit chronic/severe disciplinary or emotional problems and do not experience success within their traditional elementary/middle school settings. The program is highly structured and utilizes a variety of motivational and behavioral techniques, including a level system and a token economy. The goal of the program is to teach students the social, emotional, and academic skills required to become productive, contributing citizens in an ever-changing society. The STAR Program focuses on each student's individual needs and recognizes the uniqueness and inherent worth of each child.

Shelby County Pre-School Program

The Shelby County Pre-School Program is an inclusive pre-school program for 3 and 4 year olds with and without disabilities. This an innovative program that is offered to preschoolers who reside in areas served by the Shelby County School System. The Program is based on the philosophy of Developmentally Appropriate Practice which means the emphasis is on learning through a play-based, child-initiated approach. Instruction for each child is age appropriate as well as individually appropriate. The focus is to teach children how to learn rather than what to learn in order to facilitate their development and transition to kindergarten.

updated 09-01-2019