Philosophy of Instruction

OVER 21 develops an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each student. The ISP is tailored to include objectives that meet the needs of the individual student.

In addition to the ISP, OVER 21 uses "Performance Determined Instruction". Each time a specific task is taught, the actual response of the student is assessed. The higher level of the skill is taught as soon as the student shows readiness.

Approximately one-third of each day is spent in small group instruction in the classroom with a ratio of two to four students per instructor. One-third of each day is spent in the community (vocational sites, shopping, recreational activities, restaurants or public transportation) with a ratio of two to three students per instructor.

The remaining third of each day is spent on a rotating schedule of one-to-one instruction in specific student goals and interests or small-group social, leisure and emotional skill development with a ratio of three to five students per instructor.