District expands STRIVE classrooms for students with autism; teachers report measurable gains

Administrators and teachers briefed the Springfield Public Schools Board on the district’s STRIVE program on Sept. 15, describing how structured teaching, visual supports and targeted curricula are being used to help students with autism and complex communication needs.

Kristy Ackley, administrator for student support services, told the board STRIVE — which stands for Structured Teaching Reinforced in a Visual Environment — provides routines and visual supports intended to reduce student anxiety and build independence. The district currently serves early‑childhood through fifth‑grade students in STRIVE classrooms at several elementary sites and plans to add middle‑school classrooms in 2026–27 and high‑school classrooms in 2027–28.

Teachers who operate STRIVE classrooms described classroom gains. “After their first year in the STRIVE program, my students are able to transition independently around the classroom to various centers and activities,” said Sierra Buskey, a kindergarten–2 STRIVE teacher at Laketown. Buskey told the board students’ communication skills and independence improved and that the program’s curriculum and visual routines reduced student frustration.

Jennifer Oglesby, an early childhood teacher who piloted STAR curriculum prior to STRIVE adoption, said discrete trial training and the STAR sequence “alleviated the time and energy I was pouring into finding systems for lesson planning and data tracking” and allowed staff to focus on routines that build independence. Oglesby presented mastery data for the 2024–25 school year and credited ongoing coaching from STAR Autism and Hands in Autism for sustaining the program.

The board asked about placement and transition criteria. Ackley said students are evaluated using rubrics completed by the district BCBA and curriculum specialists; rubric results feed into IEP discussions when teams consider transitions into or out of STRIVE placements.

Why it matters: the presentation outlined a district pathway for students requiring intensive visual and behavioral supports and signaled a phased expansion through high school. Staff emphasized that positions for additional STRIVE classrooms are in the current budget and that hiring can occur mid‑year if qualified candidates are found.

Less critical details: STRIVE uses the STAR Autism curriculum in early grades and programs such as YouFly reading, Benchmark reading and Connecting Math for older elementary students. Partners named in the presentation include STAR Autism and Hands in Autism (Indiana University‑based training and coaching). The district plans further parent and community engagement events, including presentations at the Empower All Abilities conference on Nov. 15 at Lanphier High School.