In recent weeks, our country has been torn by the events related to the death of George Floyd and similar incidents of racial inequities. The Watson Institute stands in solidarity with our students, families, and staff members of color […]
Special Education News & Updates
Stay up-to-date on the latest special education news and updates from the Watson Institute. We include news, as well as stories and helpful information featuring our special education teachers, therapists, and mental health professionals and how they provide exceptional educational and supportive services to children with special needs. Also learn about our special education school programs and outpatient resources for children ages 3 to 21.
Transitioning to Virtual Learning
Since the global pandemic caused schools to shift to a remote virtual learning approach, Watson’s students and educators have worked to adapt to new routines. Recently, a special education teacher in the Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) program, Sydney Larner, shared her thoughts on how virtual learning has impacted her team and […]
COVID-19 – Educators: We’re All in This Together
Educators, we exist in a time of extreme firsts. First time on lockdown, first time homeschooling, first time learning virtually, first time teaching virtually. We struggle to keep a semblance of normality in a time that is distinctly not normal. COVID-19 turned our world upside down, shook it, and then put it in a headlock. […]
Incorporating STEAM Learning into Special Education Curriculum
Prior to the global pandemic, at the Watson Institute’s WISCA special education school, students with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder learned through a combined approach of in-class instruction and support alongside an online curriculum tailored to meet their individualized needs. Special education teachers at WISCA utilize a variety of methods to help their students learn academically […]
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
At the Watson Institute, the health and safety of our students, staff and team members is our number one priority. To support our students and families, we are providing learning options that are best suited to meet our students’ needs. The resources below are provided to support students and families. Resources for Students and Parents […]
Thoughts for Families in a Hard Time
To the families of a child with exceptionalities, caregivers, and newly designated homeschoolers. We’re all in this together. You face a time of extreme stress. Between working full-time and supporting your child’s education and therapies, you may feel lost or burned out. I don’t want to add to the noise of the advice you currently […]
Watson Institute Continuity of Education Plan
The goal of Watson’s Continuity of Education Plan is to present lessons and activities to students and their families in the form of Planned Instruction and Review and Enrichment. We are committed to support our students and families whom, as all of us, have had many changes in their lives. We seek to provide education to our students so they can reach their potential in all aspects of their lives. […]
Special Education School Partners with University OT Programs
At the Watson Institute, a special education school in Western Pennsylvania, offering professional development opportunities for our staff is a critical component to providing comprehensive, high-quality special education services to students with special needs. Our partnerships with local universities provide invaluable professional development opportunities for staff. The Watson Institute works with students in various programs […]
Watson Educator Teaches Community Engagement & Support
Educators at the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy are always looking for ways to help our students grow academically and socially. In addition to classroom learning, educators aim to instill the importance of building positive connections in the community. Friendship Academy is a special education school with programs for children between the ages of 5 to […]
Sensory Input for Children with Special Needs
At the Watson Institute, one main objective is helping children with special needs achieve their educational and developmental goals. Educators at Watson are always on the lookout for special education resources and will often research activities, such as those that provide sensory input, to incorporate into daily classroom activities to help our students succeed. Last […]