There are many programs at Rolling Valley as well as in FCPS that support the implementation of evidence-based practices to increase the academic achievement and the social and emotional competence of students based on individual needs. Here is some more information about special education instruction in Fairfax County:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to shape behaviors and teach new skills. Behaviors are observed and analyzed to determine their function. The antecedents and consequences (events preceding and subsequent to the behavior) are analyzed and manipulated in an effort to shape or change behavior. Skills are broken down into small, discrete steps and taught systematically.

Our program supports the special education instruction of students with autism and related disorders through the use of principles of ABA. This program prepares these students to function as independently as possible through the use of principles of ABA.

In designated preschool, elementary, and secondary classrooms, ABA is used to modify behaviors and teach new skills. PreK-12 ABA staff provide ongoing training and direct support to school staff to enhance the delivery of services using ABA methodologies, including the development and implementation of individualized instructional curricula and behavioral programs, resulting in improved student outcomes.

Adapted Curriculum Program

The Adapted Curriculum program provides direct and indirect support to schools in the instruction of students who are accessing an adapted curriculum and who are receiving services for autism (AUT), intellectual disabilities (ID), intellectual disabilities severe (IDS), noncategorical elementary (NCE), and physical disabilities (PD). These services are referred to as Category B services within FCPS. Special education services for students receiving category B services are designed for students with low incidence disabilities who exhibit moderate to significant delays in the areas of language, communication, cognition, socialization, and adaptive functioning that impact their ability to demonstrate progress in the general curriculum.

Included in this program are training resources and supports for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, school-based administrators, and other staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Professional development has an emphasis on best practices for instruction including the use of evidence-based instructional practices and specialized instructional programs.

Support to Schools for Students with Disabilities

Support to schools is provided through:

• Professional development in the areas of essential literacy and math, life skills, behavior management, assessment, and data collection.
• Recommendations to teachers on ways to adapt curriculum and instructional materials to address individual student learning needs.
• Classroom consultations to address individualized instructional interventions and positive behavior programming.
• Consultations with school administrators to address program development, program modifications, and instructional oversight.
• Environmental assessments and recommendations for structural modifications to accommodate the needs of students with physical disabilities.
• Curriculum development and instructional support during ESY Support is provided to parents through targeted training's in collaboration with Parent Resource Center, classroom consultations, and participation in parent-teacher conferences.