Responsible citizenship
Social Studies
The Social Studies Program provides a structured, developmental course of study that integrates content, concepts, and skill development in small, diverse groups. Through multisensory direct instruction, students build knowledge while developing the skills needed to become confident, informed citizens prepared for success in mainstream educational settings. Each unit embeds the five strands of social studies—geography, government, economics, history, and culture—serving both content objectives and skill application. The program fosters responsible citizenship and active participation in a democratic society.
The Windward School uses the PAF Program for reading and spelling, a multisensory Orton-Gillingham-based program by Phyllis Bertin and Eileen Perlman. Reading and writing are taught with a strong emphasis on language competence, skill development, and cognitive strategy.
Embracing curiosity and collaboration
Science
The Windward School Science Program offers regularly scheduled, language-based, sequential, and highly structured instruction designed to develop students’ reasoning, problem-solving, and expressive language skills—critical tools for success in mainstream education. Aligned with New York State curriculum standards, the program emphasizes direct instruction tailored to diverse learning needs, while fostering self-advocacy, peer collaboration, and scientific curiosity. Students build foundational and advanced skills in scientific reasoning, experimental procedures, and the scientific method through progressive laboratory work and developmentally appropriate language support. Reading materials further reinforce scientific literacy and content across all grade levels, preparing students for a confident transition into mainstream science classrooms.
Building skills and confidence
Math
Windward’s Math Program provides daily, level-based instruction designed to build students’ skills and confidence for success in mainstream classrooms. Using direct, multisensory teaching in small groups, the program develops number sense, computation, problem-solving, and the language of math. Lessons emphasize real-life applications and incorporate manipulatives, kinesthetic activities, and technology to boost engagement and retention. With an emphasis on vocabulary and word problem strategies, instruction progresses from concrete to symbolic concepts and follows a structured, scaffolded approach to support learners at all levels.
EXTENDING OUR MISSION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Our Education Programs
The Windward Institute is dedicated to improving education and advancing literacy for all students by empowering educators and professionals with the knowledge and resources they need. The Institute extends Windward’s mission beyond the classroom to make a broader impact on the community.
