Perseus House, Inc. provides comprehensive Residential Educational Programming tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in grades 6-12, encompassing both regular and special education. At the heart of these programs is the Collaborative Learning Center, designed to holistically address the behavioral, emotional, and educational requirements of students under our care. Our residential educational program is specifically structured to serve students within our residential facilities, fostering an environment conducive to growth and development.
Curriculum Designed for Success within a Collaborative Setting
The cornerstone of our educational programs is equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge for academic achievement and personal growth. Spanning grades 6 through 12, our curriculum delivers core academic subjects – Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies – alongside enriching electives like Health and Wellness. Instruction is provided by Pennsylvania-certified teachers, many with dual certifications in special education and specific content areas. These dedicated educators rotate through classrooms within our residential units, bringing specialized instruction to each student within their certified domains.
To ensure personalized learning and track progress, all Perseus House, Inc. residential students participate in the Classroom Diagnostic Tool (CDT) assessments. These assessments establish an initial academic performance baseline and subsequently measure growth over time. Our teachers leverage CDT data to inform and personalize their instructional approaches. Through targeted small group sessions, individualized one-on-one support, integration of technology, and utilization of comprehensive textbook resources, we meticulously address each student’s unique academic and behavioral needs within a collaborative learning environment.
Beyond traditional classroom education, students are exposed to a range of academic resources and evaluations, all accessible and often integrated within the Collaborative Learning Center:
- CDT (Classroom Diagnostic Tools) for personalized learning paths.
- Edgenuity Online Curriculum, offering flexible and adaptive learning experiences.
- PSSA/Keystone Testing to measure academic proficiency against state standards.
- Choices 360.com, a platform for exploring Career and Post-Secondary transition options, guiding future pathways.
- ASVAB Career Interest Inventory, helping students identify strengths and interests for career exploration.
- IXL, providing supplementary support and targeted practice in Math and Language Arts skills, reinforcing foundational knowledge.
Recognizing the holistic needs of our students, we offer a variety of supportive services based on individual program requirements and location within the Collaborative Learning Center. All interventions and programs are designed to cultivate pro-social behaviors and equip students for successful lifestyles. We also partner with a Prevention Education Specialist from the Erie County Crime Victim Center (CVC) to deliver monthly school-wide educational programs, fostering a safe and informed community within our learning environment.
School Sites within the Collaborative Learning Center Framework
Erie’s Public Schools act as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) for several Perseus House classrooms and programs situated at the Collaborative Learning Center. This central location fosters a cohesive and collaborative educational experience for students in various residential programs, including:
- Boys Residential Treatment Facility (RTF)
- Boys Enhanced Residential Treatment Facility (ERTF)
- Girls Enhanced Residential Treatment Facility (ERTF)
- Shelter
- Andromeda House (RTF)
- Andromeda House (ITU)
Through a contractual agreement, Erie’s Public School District collaborates with Perseus House Inc. to employ the dedicated teachers and support staff who facilitate learning within this educational setting.
Brighter Horizon’s Educational Programming, also located within the Collaborative Learning Center building, is overseen by the General McLane School District in partnership with the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit #5.
- Brighter Horizons (RTF)
Perseus House, Inc. school sites operate on a 180-day student calendar, ensuring consistent educational engagement. Furthermore, our Summer Stretch program, a 6-8-week summer academic extension, provides additional learning opportunities to reinforce comprehension and understanding, further maximizing student progress within our year-round collaborative learning framework.
Dedicated Staffing for a Collaborative Educational Approach
Each Perseus House, Inc. residential classroom within the Collaborative Learning Center is staffed by a certified teacher and a teacher aide, creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Beyond their instructional role, teachers also serve as case managers, diligently monitoring attendance, academic performance, and behavioral and emotional trends. Shared staff across sites further enhance our collaborative approach, including:
- Building Principal, providing overarching educational leadership and support.
- Mental Health Therapist, offering crucial on-site mental health services to students.
- Intervention Coordinator, ensuring consistent and effective implementation of intervention strategies across all programs.
To ensure a consistent and supportive approach, all Perseus House, Inc. staff members receive comprehensive training within their first year of employment in Life Space Crisis Intervention® (LSCI), Aggression Replacement Training® (ART), and the Sanctuary® model. These evidence-based interventions and strategies empower our staff to provide effective support to students, fostering a positive and productive collaborative learning center environment.
