Achieving Transition Goals Through School-Based Enterprise

three students with autism seated at a table together smiling at the camera while selling hot pretzels

Students with disabilities in the Cupples Center classrooms at the Education Center Sewickley work to build the skills necessary to prepare for their transition into adulthood. One of the ways […]

WISCA Students Develop Vocational Skills for Employment

Two Watson Institute students prepare coffee orders for their in-school jobs.

Helping students prepare to transition into adulthood is an important tenet of the Watson Institute’s mission. Teaching vocational, life, and social skills can help students with autism and other exceptionalities […]

In-School Trauma Response Partnership

image of a school hallway with student artwork displayed on the walls

At the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy, elementary, middle, and high school students face the same challenges that many of their peers face: pressures to fit in and to keep up […]

What Makes an “All-Star” Teacher?

Educators play an integral role in the personal and academic development of youth. This past year in particular educators went above and beyond to ensure their students were still able […]

Mental Health Supports in School

Students with exceptionalities, particularly mental health challenges, may have difficulty thriving in a traditional school setting. Without access to intensive mental health supports in school, students may struggle to balance their […]

Friendship Academy Students Thrive in Blended Learning Model

friendship academy student learning with teacher via a SmartBoard in the classroom

As the school day begins, students wait patiently in their buses outside of Friendship Academy while staff assemble to greet them and escort them to their classrooms. Students attend school […]

Supporting Parents of Children with Special Needs

At the Watson Institute, we share the goal of our students’ parents – helping their child succeed. We know that in order for our students to be successful, we also […]