Introduction
Sulam is an independent non-profit organization with its own teachers and administrative team, operating as a school program that is integrated within a larger Jewish day school environment to fulfill its inclusion goals and mandate.
Sulam serves students in grades K–12 at Berman Hebrew Academy and grades 1–5 at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (Sulam@JDS) with learning differences that include ADHD, autism, language based learning disability, twice exceptional (gifted and talented, learning disabled), and related emotional disorders and intellectual disabilities.
Sulam offers its students an innovative approach to education in an inclusive setting, and trains educators in a cutting-edge, research-based framework that elevates the Jewish educational experience and supports the diversity of all learners. We aim to broaden the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual lives of students, their families, and the entire community.
Program Overview
“חֲנֹךְ לַנַּעַר עַל-פִּי דַרְכּוֹ
Teach every child according
to their way.”
The Sulam multi-disciplinary team examines the learning profile of each child to construct a highly individualized educational program for him or her. Every student receives a unique combination of inclusion opportunities in general education classrooms, with support and targeted instruction in areas of academic need. The student’s team of special educators and instructional assistants convenes regularly to to maintain the student's progress in all areas of academic, social, and emotional need. Students are expected to meet the graduation requirements for a Maryland high school diploma or Maryland Certificate.
In addition to an academic plan, behavior and social/emotional plans are created for each student as needed. Our on-staff psychologist and social worker develop a plan that includes behavior management, social skills training, and peer group integration. Throughout the day, Throughout the course of the school day, there are myriad opportunities for Sulam students to socialize with same-age peers across curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Our unique combination of services include:
Targeted Instruction
Students are provided with direct instruction in small groups by a Sulam Special Educator to optimize learning.
Inclusion with Instructional Support
Students are placed in a general education classroom within the host school, with a Sulam instructional assistant or teacher present for guided support.
Supplemental Students
Supplemental students are primarily students of the host school, receiving a total of two services from Sulam. These can be a combination of targeted instruction, educational support, or psychological services.
Social/Emotional Services
Social/emotional profile of each child is developed and maintained
Behavior management plan is implemented as needed
Weekly Social Skills Groups as needed
Educational Coordination (case management)
Every student has a team of advocates who coordinate with all Sulam and host school teachers.
Parent Communication
At Sulam, our staff values a strong partnership with parents – excellent home-to-school communication is what helps determine the success of our students. Student progress updates containing information about material covered, skills addressed, test and quiz scores, homework status, and upcoming tests and assignments are routinely emailed home. Parent-teacher conferences and meetings about the student's ongoing progress occur regularly.
Sulam partners with Inclusion Education Services, which uses the research-based Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to provide teachers with the training to design lessons that reduce learning barriers and increase access for ALL students.
IES offers professional development workshops and educational training to schools in the Greater Washington area, and nationally.