The Word of God program, which runs within regular schools, promotes independence and encourages academic excellence through homework and class participation and focuses on vocational skills such as day-care assistance, mailroom training and other support functions, said the newspaper.
The student-to-staff ratio is 3-to-1 with a maximum of 13 children at each site. These students have individualized education programs in reading and language arts, math, handwriting, computer and social skills and are integrated into regular classrooms for the arts, physical education and other social studies. The individualized programs ensure that each child continues to learn at a pace that fits the student's abilities.
Students are also taught class skills, such as raising their hand, being prepared for class, doing homework, and following rules, so children will be able to interact appropriately when they are integrated into the regular classes.
Director of education for St. Anthony Lisa George said expectations for students are high. "We demand a lot, not only for academics but also for social skills and behavior, because that's what will carry on in life," she told the newspaper.
The program also teaches functional skills like counting money, shopping and telling time. “The goal is for them to be productive citizens of the community," said George.
However, what sets the program apart from other inclusive-education programs is that “everything comes from the religious standpoint that everyone is equal in God's eyes," George told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's a loving, caring environment because it's Christ-centered."