From Business First - Week of January 27,1997

MATTHEW J. HAYES

Pitt Academy is a unique, ungraded school

When you walk through the corridors of Pitt Academy, on Poplar Level Road, you are immediately aware that you're in a Catholic school.

A sign that reads, "Christ is the reason for this school," is placed in a prominent position on the wall as you enter the main building. Student art work decorates the hallways. Classrooms are filled with eager students actively engaged in learning.

Students are feverishly pointing and clicking their way, round the Internet in the computer lab. Another Catholic school of excellence? Definitely. Distinctive? Most assuredly.

Pitt Academy is a unique, ungraded Catholic school that exclusively serves special-needs students. It is the only school of its kind in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Pitt addresses the needs of students from all denominations, ages 5 through 18, with such diagnoses as learning disabled, central nervous system dysfunction, language processing disorders, auditory processing disorders, developmental delay, attention deficit disorder, neurological impairment and speech and language delays.

Students receive academic training in traditional subjects, as well as speech and communication therapy that corresponds to-their needs. And at the heart of Pitt's curriculum is an exceptional technology program.

There are hi-tec computers in Pitt's computer lab and additional computers throughout the other classrooms. Most of the computers are Macintosh, and the software ranges from basic art programs to word processing.

"Most of the programs we use are not designed specifically for special-needs students," said Kevin Schooling, Pitt's computer teacher. "We monitor each student's regress with the different programs and create assignments based on the student's level of need."

Students take computer classes two or three times a week for at least 50 minutes each day. Students learn basic computer skills in the lab and incorporate what they've learned in other classes. Some of the following programs are used.

• Claris Works teaches basic keyboarding skills, data base, word processing, spreadsheets drawing and painting.
• Math Munchers and Algeblasters. These programs teach math skills ranging from the most basic to advanced levels.
• Kid Pix. This is a program that teaches art and enables students to make their own slide shows.
• Intellikeys. This is one of the few programs that it designed especially for special-needs students. This program helps visually impaired students learn keyboarding skills and spelling with the use of an enlarged key pad and audio capability.

The Internet also is used frequently, Schooling said, "The Internet helps us to reinforce what the students are learning in other classes. For example, a student who is learning geography can get additional information and visual images about the places he or she is studying."

"Of course, some of the content on the Internet is objectionable, so students must ask permission before going online. Students" Internet access is closely monitored," Schooling said.

Pitt's computer department is growing rapidly. Last year the National Science Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to the school. The funds are to be distributed during the next two years and will be used to teach math to students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through the use of computers and technology.

The grant is to be divided among three areas: the purchase of more Macintosh computers, software, printers and other technological equipment; salaries for administrators and teachers; and computer training for teachers.

The grant request was written by Pat Cerrito, a Pitt Academy parent, and Sarah McCauley, the former director of Pitt.

Denis Firestone, Pitt's current director, said, "Our students already have benefited greatly from this grant. Each student has at least one math class a week in the computer lab using new technology. The students really are enjoying it."

Schooling said computers are an invaluable teaching tool for special-needs educators. Students use more of their senses when they use a computer, which helps them to better internalize information. Schooling also teaches computer skills that will help his students succeed in the job market as well as in the classroom.

Technology plays a major role in Pitt's commitment to producing students with marketable job skills. More than one-third of Pitt's student body is involved in a program called "school-to-work."

This program helps initiate students into different areas of business by providing worksite training at several businesses in the community. Students work at different times during the week while keeping a regular class schedule.

Participants are involved in a variety of tasks from office work to animal care at local pet stores. Some of the businesses that participate in this program include Baptist Hospital East, Sears and Toys-it-Us.

Joan Halbleib, Pitt's school-to-work coordinator, said, "Students are matched with businesses and in fields in which they have a strong interest. The program helps students decide which career path is best for them and teaches these students how to interact with others in a business setting."

"The technology training the students receive at Pitt is indispensable. Every business relies on computers today, and it"s essential that our students possess good computer skills."

(Matthew J. Hayes is chief Education officer of the Archdiocese of Louisville)