• What exactly is Community Based Instruction?  Community Based Instruction (CBI) is teaching students Science, Math, Social Studies, and English lessons in a practical, hands on way that will help students to learn, understand, and be able to apply what they are being taught.

         CBI is a critical component of the educations program for our students, primarily because, as adults, the community is where they will need to use the skills they acquire during their school years.  The goal is that our students will live, work, shop, and play in integrated environments in the community, and that they will participate, either independently or with accommodations and supports, in typical activities across a variety of settings.

         In order to accomplish this, instruction must occur in “natural environments” and at naturally occurring times of the school day whenever possible: e.g. teach money use in setting and situation where money is naturally used such as grocery stores, cafeteria, school store, shops, etc.  It is important that students practice these skills in real life situations and not just in isolated settings such as the classroom so that they will be able to generalize these skills.

         It is my goal to provide each student with instructional opportunities based on the real world needs of the individual students.  I will work with the students to lead each one towards increased independence and autonomy in his or her home and community.  Together, with your help, we can help each student develop to his or her fullest potential.

    ~  Wal-mart in Carlisle or Mechanicsburg:  Math Lessons

         and Practical Life Skill of Shopping

    ~  Giant in Dillsburg:  Budgeting, Math Lessons, and

         Practical Life Skill of Shopping in Preparation for

         Cooking and Meal Planning

    ~  Paulus Farms in Mechanicsburg:  Science Lessons

    ~  Bowling in Mechanicsburg:  Math Lessons and Practical

         Life Skill of Socialization

    ~  Job Study Program - Cub Corner Cafe':  Learning Practical Life

          Skills needed to hold a job, as that is every teen’s right

           of Passage, as they Grow and Develop into Young Adults.

    ***These are just a few examples of where community based instruction will take place.