The Bridge Program

Gamble Rogers Middle School Behavior Unit~ The Bridge Program

A Behavior Unit provides daily personal assistance, monitoring and/or intervention for ESE students who require interventions that are significantly greater in intensity and duration compared to what can be provided with less restrictive programming.  The Behavior Unit is staffed with a team that is trained in crisis management techniques and that works closely with a district behavior specialist and a district mental health counselor.  Difficult issues with students are addressed in real time while maintaining instruction for the other students within the Behavior Unit.  Individualized programming usually includes frequent performance feedback to the student and feedback to the guardian.  All Behavior Units are self-contained – meaning the programming is available throughout the entire school day. 

When a student demonstrates success within the Behavior Unit, the IEP Team meets to determine steps for re-entering the student into a less restrictive setting.  The goal of every Behavior Unit is for students to achieve stability and return fully to the less restrictive programming that is available in their home-zoned schools.  When a student with a disability has persistent difficulties (socially, emotionally & behaviorally) and the current placement has exhausted available resources, then the IEP Team meets to consider the pros and cons of placement within a Behavior Unit.  

What is a UNIT?

• the state of being united or joined as a whole:                                                      “European unity” · “their leaders called for unity between opposing factions

What is a BRIDGE?

• something that is intended to reconcile or form a connection between two things:
  “a committee that was formed to create a bridge between rival parties”