Specialized Program Offerings
MUSD provides a range of special education services, including placements in district programs and partnerships with Arizona Department of Education approved private day schools. Services are assigned based on student data and individual IEP team decisions, with specific programming adjusted or combined by campus to meet unique student needs.
Resource/Inclusion
The Resource/Inclusion Program is for students with disabilities that require specially designed instruction that the home school staff can provide. These students have varying learning abilities. They may demonstrate behaviors that interfere with learning, significant sensory needs that may require environmental adaptations, difficulty in executive functioning and organization. These students may struggle with math, reading and/or writing, meta-cognitive skills, self-determination, or advocacy and require a variety of research-based methods of instruction. Some students may require minimal related services.
Related Services
Related Services are for students who need educationally related therapy (speech, occupational, physical therapy, adapted physical education, or counseling). These may occur alone or in conjunction with specialized instruction.
Compass Program
The Compass Program uses unique adaptations and strategies to help students meaningfully participate and learn. Our methodology focuses on building a functional communication system, promoting independence through self-help skills, and providing a stimulating sensory environment to engage all senses. Lessons prioritizes intensive instruction in personal care, social interaction, and general communication and learning skills. The classroom structure is also equipped to appropriately manage any health and medical requirements. The Compass Program is for students with very significant learning needs who need a specialized, hands-on environment.
Foundations Program
The Foundations Program provides specialized instruction that adapts curriculum based on Core Content Connectors (CCCs), focusing on developing academic, functional, and life skills. The Foundations Program’s learning environment is highly supportive, using visual aids, reinforcement systems, and a variety of communication methods to foster success, self-advocacy, and independence across all settings. A key goal is to foster independence by having students participate in inclusive settings whenever suitable, with a focus on reducing adult support. This program is for students who have significant learning differences and need a different path to success.
Foundations Blueprint Program
The Foundations Blueprint Program uses a methodology where instruction is aligned with grade-level standards, but delivered through modified and/or accommodated curriculum to best support each student's unique learning. To promote positive behavior and independence, we consistently use visual supports and reinforcement systems. A key goal is to foster independence by having students participate in inclusive settings whenever suitable, with a focus on reducing adult support.
Blueprint Program
The Blueprint program provides moderate, specialized support to help students access the general education curriculum in a standard classroom setting. By systematically reducing adult assistance and integrating visual schedules and behavioral supports, the program actively fosters student independence and peer connection. Instruction focuses on developing executive functioning, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset alongside targeted social language training. Designed for students who can converse naturally and manage basic adaptive tasks with minimal prompting, the program aims to build essential communication and self-management skills so students can successfully generalize them across various educational environments.
The Studio Program
Students who benefit most from this program model are students with characteristics of the autism spectrum as well as cognitive deficits working on developing skills across developmental domains, including language, socialization, cognition, self-help, and fine/gross motor. Small group or one-on-one learning sessions are utilized to address goal instruction, using teaching strategies aligned with principles of structured work systems. A highly structured environment and consistent routines provide predictability. Building a foundation of academic skills and increasing independence in functional activities is a focus in the classroom. Individualized visual supports and reinforcement systems are incorporated throughout activities.
The Summit Program
The Summit classrooms are designed to utilize grade-level content/curriculum to enhance self-esteem, develop pro-social skills, and develop effective problem-solving skills for students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs who have an emotional disability. Summit students may have other secondary disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Other Health Impairment, or Learning Disabilities. Students benefit from a highly structured, supportive, and therapeutic learning environment based upon identified IEP needs.