Public School 18
Mr. Joseph Witazek, Principal
43 Bertha Street, Albany, NY 12209
(click here for directions)
Ph: (518) 462-7238
Fax: (518) 462-7252
e-mail: jwitazek@albany.k12.ny.us
Transitional
Learning Center
The Transitional Learning
Center (TLC) is an innovative program that provides a
much needed service to children in the City School
District of Albany. Students in grades K-5 are referred
to the TLC when they are experiencing difficulties
related to behavior and/or safe schools issues. There
are two separate classrooms for the program; one for
students in grades K-2 and one for those in grades 3-5.
The TLC provides a small
class setting of 12:1:2, with the addition of a social
worker (Case Manager). This ratio offers individualized
attention for each student, social skills training, and
collaboration with family and community resources.
Involvement of the parent is an important component of
the program. Parent support of the discipline and skills
training provides a strong base for permanent change in
the student's behavior.
A team approach helps all
involved to be aware of the needs of the student and his
progress toward goals. As a member of the team, each
student learns to take responsibility for his behavior,
progress, and goals. Ongoing work is done on teaching
the skills that are necessary for life, such as:
Following instructions
How to accept "no" for
an answer
How to accept criticism
Respect
How to make an apology
Collaboration between the
TLC and the home school is vital, as the scope of the
program is to provide a temporary academic setting where
the student can work on social skills, such as those
listed above.
Each child's progress if
formally reviewed after 30-day intervals. A Progress
Review Meeting is held to discuss progress and what the
student still needs to work on. As a team, the teacher,
social worker, home social worker, principal, parent,
student, and service provider (for example, a therapist
or probation officer) decide on what changes are needed
to reach the student's goals, as well as the student's
readiness to return to the home school. Recommendations
may be made for an alternative academic program.
Subsequent follow-up with the student and home school
serve to aid in the transition and reinforce the newly
acquired skills.
