The Natchitoches Parish School Board has approved the launch of the ‘Smart Steps’ program at L.P. Vaughn Magnet School. This initiative targets students in kindergarten through second grade who have acute behavioral needs.
Program Details
The program is designed to keep students in a learning environment while providing them with the skills necessary to interact with their peers. Smart Steps will utilize small class sizes, with two paraprofessionals assigned to support each teacher. Staff members will undergo intensive training to address autism and various emotional developmental needs.
The primary goal of the initiative is to break the cycle of suspensions for students in the early elementary grades. To support the specialized program, school board members approved a $5,000 stipend for teachers working in these classrooms.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
