Emotional Disturbances
Emotional disturbances can affect many different aspects central to student learning, including (but not limited to): concentration, stamina, time and task management, social interactions, response to feedback, response to change, and response to stress. Many of the medications prescribed to address emotional disturbance also have side effects that can impact student learning. To address these issues, Aseltine offers intensive, individualized behavioral services and a school-wide Conflict Resolution/Counseling Program to meet each student’s specific needs.
Through the Conflict Resolution/Counseling Program, students develop self-awareness, personal and social coping skills, communication skills, and, most importantly, problem-solving skills. Students learn to apply these skills to their issues in the classroom and to their struggles in the real world. This model fosters respectful and caring staff/student interactions, which are based on the mutual understanding that leads to increased self-control and self-esteem. It also represents a distinct departure from traditional school methods to address discipline and deal with student behavior – rather than simply react to students’ inappropriate behavior with punishment and isolation, Aseltine staff engage students in a discussion about their issues so they can examine their motives; understand their behaviors’ effects – on themselves and others – and learn to effectively resolve future issues.
Aseltine also works with students outside the school setting to address their deficits. Staff and students bond during enriching community experiences in the Outreach Program, which gives students opportunities to use their new life skills outside the classroom. When requested, staff members provide counseling and intervention to help families resolve issues and conflicts.
Each student receives designated instructional services and accommodations as indicated on his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP) and beyond. Our entire curriculum meets California Common Core State Standards. Students over 14 years of age receive Transition Education and Career Development.