In many special education settings, it is commonplace to provide learners with compensatory strategies to address their difficulties. For example, if a learner struggles with reading, they might be presented with audio recordings; if writing is a challenge, they may be permitted to dictate their work; if math is problematic, a number line might be used; and if they have issues with performance fluency, they could be allowed untimed tests. Why does this happen? Often these “solutions” arise from the issue of age-based grade placement, which can result in learners encountering educational material that far exceeds their current capabilities.

Learning Milestones takes a different approach. Rather than providing supports as solutions to learning problems, we directly address learning gaps by placing learners in curriculum sequences that match their current performance levels, regardless of their age or grade level. We focus on building essential academic skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics; improving learning skills, such as goal setting, listening, reasoning, and organization; and developing performance skills, which involve completing tasks accurately and independently, in a timely manner.