Academic Supports and Special Subjects

In addition to the traditional academic subjects, the Midland curriculum includes several subjects that support social growth and increase independent living skills for our students.

Social skills development

Social Skills development is addressed school-wide formally and informally within every classroom. The school psychologist and social worker are available to work with teachers and students on overcoming challenges and improving social outcomes. Midland’s “CHOICE IS YOURS” program teaches students to make appropriate social decisions across settings – school, home, community and work – as well as encourages, and recognizes positive social skill development. Visual and verbal cues, monthly theme instruction, and merit-based rewards reinforce appropriate social skills.

Direct instruction in independent living skills is provided. Midland has an apartment with kitchen, dining, living, bedroom, and laundry area in which cooking, cleaning, personal care and laundry are taught.

Two separate community living areas address the needs of both younger and older students to build and practice community living skills. Students practice shopping skills in the food store, eating out in a restaurant/diner, practice money skills in the bank and mail sorting skills in the post office.

Midland’s art curriculum develops visual motor skills, tactile discrimination, visual discrimination, spatial concepts and behavioral skills through regularly scheduled classes for students aged 5 – approximately 14 and graphic arts career clusters for older students.

All Midland students participate in the music program on a weekly basis. They have a chance to experience a variety of musical approaches and to perform several times per year for their peers. In addition to the regular class lessons, students may choose to participate in chorus, instrumental instruction, or drama club.

Students from approximately age 15 – 21 are involved in the general shop program. They work on wood, metal and plastic projects, which help them develop visual motor, tool-machinery, assembly, fastening, finishing, work behavior, and abstract thinking skills.

During each class’s scheduled time in the program center the students learn computer skills which may include word processing, computer design or keyboarding. A SmartBoard, plus individual computers are used to reinforce this instruction. Students check out books from the library section of the program center before computer instruction begins. In the classroom, students use appropriate computer software to reinforce academic instruction.