Abington Heights board approves TeachTown social‑skills program for students with IEPs

The Abington Heights School Board unanimously approved the district's proposed TeachTown social‑skills and transition curriculum at its Nov. 5 meeting.

Kaylee Noon, director of special education, presented the program to the board and public, describing scaffolded lesson plans, video models, built‑in progress monitoring and individualized computer modules. Noon said elementary modules emphasize rules‑following, interpersonal skills, self‑regulation, coping and working on friendships; middle‑school lessons add problem solving, personal care, safety and community participation; and high‑school modules address transition skills such as employability and community access. Noon noted that federal special‑education rules require transition planning to begin at age 14 and said the program supplies prerequisite skills for community‑based work experiences.

After the presentation, a motion to approve the TeachTown proposal was moved and seconded. The board approved the program by roll call, with every voting member recorded as "yes." The vote was recorded as unanimous (9‑0).

Superintendent Dr. Schaeffer and board members framed the approval as an instructional resource intended to supplement existing VFAC and transition services and to provide teachers with structured lessons and data for IEP goal‑setting. The board did not attach additional conditions to the approval; the administration will follow existing implementation and procurement procedures.