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News & Information
Nation's Only Charter School For The Autistic Prepares Students For The Working World
April 27, 2006
Over 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a brain difference that affects how one thinks, communicates, and interacts with others. Researchers are uncertain of what causes the disorder and no cure has been discovered. It affects people in different ways and varies in severity. Some people experience mild traits and are able to enjoy independent lives. Others suffer severe symptoms and require supported living environments throughout their entire lives.
Regardless of the severity of symptoms, autistic children often need support that is not provided in a typical classroom environment. Some public schools have special autistic support classrooms. Other schools are not so equipped and instead contract with outside facilities to fill the void. One Monroeville school, however, was created exclusively for autistic students and to help prepare them for the working world and/or post-secondary education.
Established in 2000 through an effort of many parents, professionals, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, and the Autism Society of Westmoreland County, the Spectrum Charter School educates autistic students with learning challenges including autism spectrum disorders between the ages of 13-21 from fourteen neighboring school districts.
Spectrum Charter School's mission is to provide school-to-work transition instruction in the classroom and in workplace settings for students facing challenges, including various autism disorders. It is the only such school in the United States.
The school's charter limits enrollment to 32 students to ensure that a small classroom environment with a high teacher to student ratio is provided. Students enjoy the same courses traditional public schools offer including studies in biology, algebra, and other typical high school level classes. The school's curriculum contains both general and college prep courses, and is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
Through the transitional school to work program, students are given the opportunity to experience vocations before graduation. During this time, students shadow a mentor on the job as they develop skills and learn to interact in a professional environment. The students are critiqued on their performance, which gives them the opportunity to learn why certain behaviors are rewarded and others are not acceptable in the workforce. The performance reviews are thorough and candid-students are praised for work well done and informed about what behaviors or actions would require discipline up to and including termination of employment if they were actual company employees.
When student's are ready, they engage in real job interviews and can be hired into regular competitive employment.
Though the program is still relatively young, the results are favorable. In addition to cultivating good job and interpersonal skills, most Spectrum Charter School graduates have demonstrated the ability to work independently, follow direction, be self starters, and function well in team environments.
Although Spectrum Charter School is the only such school in America, perhaps its success will serve as a model to other schools throughout country.
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