Description of the Program Areas

Leary School programs offer each student a range of services commensurate with his/her strengths, limitations, needs, and interests. Students are placed into small groups not exceeding 10 students (nine in Prince George's County) per class according to a match that considers age, developmental level, presenting problems, learning and behavioral characteristics and the particular structure and personality of different classes. The various management approaches range from a stringent and positive behavior modification approach to a more student-directed and supportive group. Generally, there is a certain homogeneity of social age and level of independent functioning within groups.

Within this group, the student receives individual and small group instruction, group counseling, periodic achievement assessment and family life education. Students also participate in the resource services of the program: individual psychotherapy, case management, art therapy, physical education, competitive athletics, woodshop (available at the Virginia program), job placement, work experience, computer assisted instruction and, for designated students, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. At the Leary School of Virginia, placement in the job site program is available for interested students. Secondary education students receive preparation for testing from their referring jurisdictions. Maryland students participate in Maryland High School Assessments while secondary students from the District of Columbia participate in the Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS) and Virginia students participate in the Standards of Learning assessments.