Our Process

Our process for achieving an inclusive classroom environment for students with ASD and related disabilities includes six key steps. The CMS Approach™ provides a comprehensive framework to support and empower educators in fostering effective learning experiences for students.

We are dedicated to providing teachers with guidance to enhance each student's strengths while addressing their diverse learning needs. We remain committed to facilitating meaningful growth and learning for all students through continuous evaluation, training, and support.

The process starts with a two-hour observation within each designated classroom utilizing our proprietary CMS Matrix™ evaluative tool. This is done to establish a baseline, identify areas for improvement, and measure the effectiveness of our intervention. This includes assessing specific areas essential for effective classroom management for students with ASD and related disabilities.

These areas typically include:

• ABA practices for classrooms: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established approach for teaching and managing behavior in students with ASD and related disabilities. Our evaluation assesses how well ABA principles are being implemented in the classroom.
• Teaching performance domains: This involves assessing the teaching methodologies, students' behavior, classroom organization, and the overall learning environment.

Data collection and analysis are also integral parts of the assessment process. We analyze pre-existing data or start collecting data during the assessment to track progress.

We use the CMS assessment tool specifically designed for assessing classroom environments and practices relevant to implementing The CMS Approach^TM. The evaluation results serve as a benchmark against which progress can be measured after implementation.

Based on the evaluation findings, we provide recommendations to address the unique needs and challenges observed in each classroom.

Following the evaluation, the next step is the development of specific systems for each classroom. This involves collaboration with classroom teachers and staff to tailor the implementation of The CMS Approach™ and address the unique needs and challenges of each classroom. This may include:

• Crafting daily class-wide schedules to establish structure and predictability for students
• Reviewing and discussing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure that CMS strategies align with student’s individual goals and needs
• Conducting audits on SDI-minute requirements and providing training to align class-wide schedules with students' IEPs
• Creating individualized schedules that consider students' unique learning styles, preferences, and support requirements
• Establishing student-aligned, Independent Advancement Areas to foster student independence and task completion
• Implementing visual structures and supports throughout the classroom environment to enhance communication, organization, and comprehension for students

After developing specific systems for each classroom, we provide professional development workshops to assist educators in effectively implementing The CMS Approach™. 

Tailored workshops are offered for districts without existing knowledge systems supporting students with ASD and related disabilities. These workshops include review sessions, Q&A sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and mock demo classrooms, aiming to offer guidance and resources for educators. 

Through comprehensive training and support, educators gain the confidence to employ new strategies and approaches to support students effectively.

Our 5-days live immersive classroom training program offers educators an interactive learning experience conducted directly within their classroom setting. 

Our consultants observe the classroom environment, provide feedback, and demonstrate CMS strategies firsthand. We offer real-time guidance and support as educators begin implementing the strategies themselves. 

This collaborative approach ensures direct engagement between consultants and teachers within the classroom, facilitating effective learning and implementation of The CMS Approach™.

Fidelity monitoring ensures the consistent and effective implementation of The CMS Approach™. This monitoring involves an initial two-hour fidelity check conducted two weeks after completing the 5-day training. This is followed by 1-hour follow-up observations 8-10 weeks later throughout the school year. 

These assessments aim to evaluate how closely the learned methodology is implemented, identify any deviations, and provide timely support or interventions as needed. Additionally, we provide ongoing quarterly fidelity checks, annual refresher training for previous attendees, and comprehensive professional development for new staff mid-year. 

Finally, the process concludes by highlighting both the overarching program outcomes and individual student behavioral outcomes resulting from the implementation of The CMS Approach™ in the classroom. 

Program outcomes emphasize a universal, school-wide approach, which means that The CMS Approach™  is beneficial not only for students with ASD and related disabilities but also for all students within the school community. 

The comprehensive assessments, training, implementation modeling, and fidelity modeling ensure the successful integration of CMS practices in your school.

Individualized support aims to identify and address the unique needs of each student. This includes interventions based on empirical research, direct observation, and measurement of behavior. 

Strategies such as antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences are employed to promote positive behavior changes and enhance the overall learning experience for students with ASD and related disabilities.

We invite you and your school district to join our community, dedicated to supporting students with ASD and related disabilities. At CMS, we value expertise, empathy, and empowerment and aim to create a learning environment where every student can shine.

By embracing The CMS Approach™, you are not only enhancing your own teaching experience but also shaping a brighter future for students with ASD and related disabilities. Let's begin this journey together, fostering an educational landscape where every child can thrive.