Program Overview

Started in 2007 at the request of Montgomery County Public Schools, the now Powder Mill campus of Kennedy Krieger School serves students in grades 2-8 who are working toward a high school diploma, and students aged 7-21 who are seeking a certificate of completion.

Transportation is provided by the LSS.

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A colorful yard sign sits outside the playground at Power Mill Campus. The sign says We're glad you're here in white letters, with the campus name and Kennedy Krieger logo beneath that message.

 

NCASES Accreditation

All five Kennedy Krieger School Programs are accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). Accreditation is based on compliance to fifty standards covering the range of processes, procedures, and practices critical to the functioning of a special education setting.

NCASES Accreditation badge

Instruction

Instruction is aligned with the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essentials Elements Alternative Standards, and guided by the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards.
 

  • Interventions: Instruction is provided using evidence-based interventions, including but not limited to TEACCH, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), discrete trial, incidental learning, Pivotal Response Treatment, augmented communication, picture exchange communication, sensory diets, and vocational training.
  • Assessment of Progress: Students participate in the assessments developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), and other state assessments required for other referring states each year. Students enrolled in a certificate of completion pathway will take the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Assessments or the Multi-State Alternative Assessments (MSAA) for Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Additionally, benchmark assessment are done to note progress on curriculum goals and on IEP goals. The IEP is reviewed at least quarterly, and that review is included in the quarterly report card shared with the student and the family.

Related Services

Related services identified on each student’s individualized education program (IEP) are offered. These services may be delivered in pull-out, push-in, or consultative formats. These include, but are not limited to the following:
 

  • Speech/ Language Pathology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Counseling/Mental Health Services

Positive Behavior Intervention

Dedicated behavior services staff work closely with the classroom and related services staff to integrate skill development as a primary component of successful behavior management. Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) are used to develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that focus on proactive strategies. In addition, all staff members are trained in safe crisis management procedures.
 

The school employs a multidisciplinary team approach to program design and implementation. Team members have regular opportunities to collaborate on individual students. Social workers are assigned to assist in team coordination and to serve as a liaison with the family as case managers.
 

Preparation for Employment

Training is provided both on-campus and off-campus as work based learning (WBL) opportunities are part of the school program.
 

  • Work Based Learning: Students have access to on-campus and off-campus work based learning opportunities. Partnerships with local businesses allow students to participate in developing vocational skills, ravel skills, and soft skills in the natural environment.

Preparation for the Future

  • Community-Based Instruction: Students are provided the opportunity to participate in instruction by traveling in the community to a variety of locations, including but not limited to: local libraries, stores, and leisure activities. These activities encourages the students to generalize their academic, social, and recreational skills in the natural environment.

Student Life

The program provides opportunities for students and parents to participate and/or volunteer in school activities throughout the year. Some of these annual events include:

  • Back to School Night
  • Spaghetti Dinner
  • Fall Harvest
  • Thanksgiving Feast
  • Winter Dances
  • Variety Show
  • Science Fair
  • Career Day
  • Spring Fling
  • End of Year Celebrations
  • Quarterly Incredible Crocs Celebrations