Community-Based Instruction

Student Population: The Community-Based Instruction (CBI) program serves all Exceptional Student Education students that attend Gretchen Everhart School.

Class Size: Class sizes vary, but typically, students receive instruction in community sites in groups of one to three students per adult.

Goals: The goal of CBI is to teach students functional skills of everyday living. Through CBI, students learn all the skills that are identified on the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) in the way that those skills are used in everyday life. CBI doesn't replace basic skills, it just analyzes how those skills are performed and teaches students those skills by having students use them in a functional manner. Another goal is to provide graduating students with expanded options regarding where they will live, work and spend their leisure time.

Activities: CBI, is a practical, "hands-on" program. It prepares our students to function as productive adults by giving them the opportunity to apply basic skills in real-life settings.

Depending on a student's particular needs and IEP goals, CBI activities may include locating, carrying or purchasing items in grocery or department stores, using the public library, utilizing public transportation, attending various events in the community, or ordering food in a restaurant. In addition, a student might visit various work sites for potential vocational placement after graduation or they might train at one site on a regular basis as part of the transition process from school to work.

Staff: All Everhart teachers and classroom staff participate in CBI.

Curriculum: Since CBI is a highly individualized approach to instruction, parent surveys are conducted to help identify appropriate skills for students to learn and are incorporated into the IEP. Teachers use the Leon County CBI Handbook for policies, procedures, activities, and curriculum.

New: On April 16th, the Bloomquist/Urban Bunch CBI class visited the Painted Pony Farm in Lloyd.

Page updated: 08/11/2005