November 04, 2014

Our Exercise Program: Benefits Beyond Health

One of our current research initiatives examines the effects of our exercise program throughout our students' day. It will document how cognitive and behavioral functioning are improved by vigorous physical exercise, and the findings will provide validation for the importance of this fundamental pillar of Daily Life Therapy®.  Findings may also have implications for the timing of offered subjects and activities to maximize the benefits of exercise.

October 15, 2014

Research Update: Outcomes Study (Program Evaluation)


Here are some exciting updates on our Outcomes Study:

*  Surveys were sent to over 100 alumni provide perspective on what students learning under DLT® have achieved and maintained, and 62 surveys were returned.  

*  Findings show the majority live in community-based settings, are employed, have some independent daily living skills, exercise daily, engage in recreation and leisure, and feel happy about their lives.

*  Our most exciting finding is that the longer a student was enrolled at Higashi, the more likely he or she is to maintain employment after graduation. 

The results of the study were very positive, and are currently under review for publication. Stay tuned! 

July 10, 2014

Presenting in Portugal: Music Inspires Us

In mid July, Mr. Kaname Ueno, Dr. Stephen Shore, Principal Deborah Donovan, and Dr. Ann Roberts traveled to Braga, Portugal to give a presentation at the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division of International Special Education Conference “Embracing Inclusive Approaches For Children and Youth with Special Needs.” It was an honor and a privilege to showcase our instrumental, vocal and classroom music programs. 

Boston Higashi School believes in the intrinsic value of music. Music activates the brain in a variety of ways. We know first hand how music benefits the spirit and supports learning in both overt and subtle ways. Our systematic approach utilizes differentiated and group-based instruction to teach musical skills to one and all. The character of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone expresses it best: “Ah, music he said, wiping his eyes. A magic far beyond all we do here.”