Academics

Instruction is designed using the state of Vermont’s Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements plan (PBGR), through the principles of Understanding by Design, or UbD. UbD clarifies intended outcomes and generalizable goals. Instruction is planned after these “ends” are clear. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework for personalizing instruction based on a student’s strengths and interests. It supports the planning of units and lessons with both input modalities and expressive modalities that are motivating and strength-based for each student.

The New School of Montpelier develops its individualized curriculum and instruction using design principles that ensure student learning is targeted, purposeful and effective. Long term planning for each student occurs on an annual basis prior to IEP development in order to clarify instructional priorities. Three planning processes are available for this purpose and a selection of one is made on an annual basis based upon the questions and needs of each student’s planning team. The COACH (Choosing Outcomes and Achievement for Children), MAPS (McGill Action Planning System), and the State of Vermont Transition Planning process are also used. Goals for the IEP are derived from this information.