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Academy360 Upper School Uses Data to Strengthen Math & Reading Skills
Last school year, Academy360 Upper School piloted Let’s Go Learn benchmark assessments in math and reading. The results were encouraging—students showed measurable growth from September to June, including full grade-level increases in reading. These assessments gave teachers a clearer picture of where students were succeeding and where they needed more support.
At Academy360, we are always looking for ways to give our students the tools they need to grow and succeed. One area where many of our students face challenges is fine motor development, which plays a critical role in handwriting. For some students, writing can be an overwhelming task—requiring not only strength and coordination but also focus, confidence, and the right support.
Academy360 Lower School’s administration began exploring options for a formalized handwriting curriculum that could seamlessly integrate into classroom learning while reinforcing therapeutic strategies. Their research led them back to a program that was used many years ago, Handwriting Without Tears (HWT), a nationally recognized program designed to make writing accessible and less frustrating, especially for students with special needs.
“We wanted a program that didn’t just teach writing, but also helped build foundational skills like posture, grip, and confidence,” said Principal Tara Hayek. “HWT provides a consistent, structured approach that works well in both therapy and classroom settings.”
Over the summer, three teachers—Courtney Shimmel, Lia Barron, and Cha’liya Brown—participated in a two-day training during Spectrum360’s Extended School Year Program. The training introduced them to the HWT approach and prepared them to implement it this fall.
The program officially launched in three pilot classrooms in September. Students begin by taking a placement assessment, which helps determine their starting point. From there, they participate in a mix of small group activities and individual instruction designed to meet their unique needs.
The lessons are highly interactive, incorporating music, movement, and tactile tools to keep students engaged. For example, students use wooden pieces to build letters or practice on chalkboards with simplified visual layouts, making it easier to focus on correct formation without becoming overwhelmed.
The pilot is just the beginning. As students and teachers progress through the year, the Spectrum360 team will monitor results and gather feedback. If successful, the program has the potential to expand into more classrooms in the future, reaching even more students. Through this initiative, Spectrum360 continues its mission of providing individualized, evidence-based education—helping every student reach their fullest potential, one skill at a time.