Bridge Program
Mill Basin Yeshiva Academy Prep at Shulamith High School (MBYA Prep) is committed to providing students with a well-rounded and holistic educational experience which prepares students for success in school and life beyond. MBYA Prep is an accepting and inclusive program, where every student is welcomed and supported academically, socially and developmentally. At MBYA Prep, each student is treated as an individual, and we strive to provide an educational experience that is individualized to each student’s specific strengths and needs. At MBYA Prep, our motto is “Educate the Child According to His Way” (Proverbs 22:6).
The MBYA Prep program is a specialized classroom program that serves students who learn differently in a small classroom setting. The curriculum is modified and individualized to provide all students with the opportunity to learn and grow together with their friends and peers. MBYA Prep’s Inclusion Classes are designed to provide an exceptional experience for all students, including students with learning differences, in an environment that stresses inclusion and growth for all.
At MBYA, all of us (parents, administrative staff, teachers and therapists) work together to provide each of our students with a safe and supportive learning experience in a positive environment. We foster self-growth, advanced skills and applied knowledge that will help them see themselves as lifelong learners and achievers.
Each MBYA Prep Class has a full-time, certified, Special Education Teacher in addition to General Education Teachers. The General Education and Special Education Teachers work hand-in-hand to prepare lessons, modify and enhance instruction, and address each student’s individual learning style.
The Teachers work together to present the material in a manner that is inclusive for students who learn differently, and during/after each academic unit the Special Education Teacher re-teaches and reinforces the lessons in small group models.
Our MBYA Prep students receive one-to-one or small group instruction within the classroom and as part of the general classroom group. Our students are not separated and removed from the classroom, but rather they are actively supported within the classroom group, and lessons proceed at a pace that works and is effective for their individual levels.
Our classrooms are small and focused, with no more than 12 students per class group. The small, specialized classroom model allows for more individualized attention and more opportunities for students who learn differently to participate and engage in meaningful work. All students in the program learn and grow together with their friends, and they all benefit tremendously from review, hands-on practice and constant feedback. Every student in the program stands to gain from our smaller student to teacher ratio and every student feels like an integral part of her classroom.
At MBYA Prep, we ensure that our students are provided with the therapy support that they require to succeed. Students are provided with differentiated types of therapies, such as: Speech-Language Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy;Counseling; and Behavioral Analysis therapy. All therapy services are provided by licensed/certified therapists with experience working with older High School students.The therapists work together with the educational staff to ensure that each student is supported and receives the necessary therapies to address issues which impact academic growth.
At MBYA Prep, a major focus area is Social-Emotional development. We offer students opportunities to develop their emotional maturity to have successful interpersonal relationships.
Self-regulation and control are so important for dealing with adversity constructively andeffectively.
At MBYA Prep, we have made it a major priority in our classrooms to emphasize civility, acceptance and inclusiveness for all of our students. Teachers – general and special education, work to incorporate ethical and moral lessons into all areas of instruction, and positive emotional and social interactions are emphasized and encouraged. Outside of structured education classrooms, our teachers work to create extra-curricular activities that emphasize positive relationships, teamwork and acceptance.
Specific examples of social methodologies used by staff include:
Model Manners - Teachers display positive social skills and respect for all students at all times. Teachers talk in appropriate tones and in a respectful manner and demand that from students as well. Students are expected to act the same towards the teachers and their peers, and infractions are immediately addressed in a respectful and sensitive manner. Each teacher and class emphasize respect for oneself and for others.
Group experiences - Students are given opportunities to develop teamwork skills, goal setting and responsibility. Students are assigned roles that they are responsible for, which require interaction and leadership skills. The staff provide ongoing and consistent support, to help students meet their responsibilities. Quiet and shy students are provided with strategies to help them come out of their shell and succeed in the group. In-class group discussions, larger class and school projects, sports, and class trips are used by staff to help students learn and grow their social-emotional and behavioral sides.
Class meetings - class meetings teach students to be diplomatic, show leadership, identify and solve problems and take responsibility. Held bi-weekly, it is a time for class to discuss what is taking place and focus on the class/school as a whole. Students are encouraged to come up with plans and solutions, and opportunities are provided to present ideas and solutions to the program and school leadership.
