Gilbert Public Schools highlights Unique Learning System for intensive special-education programs

At the Dec. 9 board meeting, special-education staff presented the district’s use of the Unique Learning System (ULS) to support students with the most significant learning needs from pre-K through transition age (up to 22). Presenters Sarah Wallace and Abby Wheatville said ULS is a comprehensive, scaffolded curriculum aligned to Arizona State academic standards and designed to teach academics, communication, daily living and life skills.

Wallace described lesson components and real-world connections used in ULS — examples include money skills, following recipes and community-transportation awareness — and said the curriculum supports individualized instruction and assessment. Wheatville said the system includes transition supports for students preparing to enter adult life and work.

District staff reported training roughly 60 teachers and 120 paraprofessionals on ULS implementation and said 353 students have accessed the system across the district. The presenters said next steps include aligning expectations across principals, instructional coaches and paraprofessionals, strengthening fidelity of implementation and continuing differentiated supports based on classroom observations and teacher feedback.

In Q&A, board members asked whether ULS covers subject areas beyond life-skills instruction; presenters confirmed ULS addresses reading, writing, math, science, social studies and life skills and includes a transition-grade band for older students preparing for post-school life.

Board members thanked staff for the work and highlighted the district’s role as a regional resource for special-education services.