Finding the right curriculum and assessments for students with significant disabilities can feel overwhelming. What works beautifully for one class or student may not be a fit for another, and many traditional programs simply aren’t designed with complex learning needs in mind.
The best tools are those that honor student dignity, support communication needs, allow for different levels of prompting, and measure tiny steps of progress in meaningful ways. Below is a helpful guide to commonly used curriculum and assessment tools for severe special education classrooms, along with what makes each one effective.
Curriculum Options for Severe Needs Classrooms
These programs are frequently used and valued in classrooms serving students with complex learning profiles. Some focus on functional academics, while others emphasize literacy, communication, or early academic foundations.
Unique Learning System (ULS)
ULS provides differentiated, standards-based lessons designed for students with significant disabilities. Many teachers adapt the lessons by increasing hands-on supports, adding visuals, and collaborating with SLPs to ensure communication remains at the center of learning.
TeachTown
TeachTown offers digital and hands-on curriculum options focused on early literacy, early numeracy, and functional academics. It is often used in extended content or self-contained programs and works well when paired with individualized supports, manipulatives, and communication-based instruction.
ARIS Curriculum
ARIS is designed for students with high support needs and provides structured, systematic instruction that breaks skills into manageable teaching steps. It supports functional skill development and can be a strong option for classrooms that need clear instructional pathways.
Essential for Living (EFL)
EFL is a curriculum and assessment framework focused on communication, daily living, and essential life skills. It is built for learners with limited communication or significant support needs and prioritizes skills that enhance quality of life, independence, and participation.
Functional Academics
Functional Academics programs focus on real-life, meaningful skill development (such as money, time, community, and daily living skills). While helpful, some teachers find that certain materials are written at a level higher than what some students in severe needs programs require, so modifications may be necessary.
Readtopia (Grades 3+) and ReadtopiaGO (Pre-K–2)
Designed using research from the UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO provide comprehensive literacy instruction for students with complex learning needs. Lessons embed communication, literacy, and engagement through thematic units that connect to real-world concepts and literature. They are well-known for being developmentally respectful while still providing rich, age-appropriate content.
OATECA
OATECA (Occupational & Academic Therapy Enrichment for Children with Autism) combines functional academics with data collection methods that allow teachers to show growth based on prompt levels and skill mastery. The scope and sequence offers flexibility, and the system is designed to support student progress regardless of starting point.
Comprehensive Literacy for All
This literacy framework emphasizes that all students, including those with significant disabilities, deserve access to meaningful literacy instruction. Rooted in extensive research, it offers guidance on building literacy in ways that are accessible, communication-based, and respectful of every learner’s potential.
Kidssoup
Kidssoup provides thematic lesson resources that can be adapted for early developmental levels. It is often used as a supplementary resource to build engagement, fine motor practice, and early academic skills in creative ways.
Assessment Tools for Severe Needs Classrooms
Assessments for students with significant disabilities must capture more than correct answers. They should measure communication, engagement, prompting levels, and small increments of growth. The tools below are well-known for providing meaningful data.
ABLLS
The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) is widely used to identify strengths and needs across communication, academics, self-help, and social skills. It is especially helpful for setting individualized goals and tracking progress over time.
Basic Skills Checklists
This teacher-friendly assessment tool helps evaluate students’ skills in key developmental areas for learners with autism or significant disabilities. It provides a straightforward way to document abilities and determine next steps for instruction and IEP goal development.
Readtopia/ReadtopiaGO Assessments
These programs include built-in assessments aligned to the DLM alternate assessment, designed to capture even small increments of progress. The assessments provide meaningful literacy and comprehension data that reflect growth for students with the most complex profiles.
Center for Literacy and Disability Studies Progress Monitoring Tool
Created to support literacy for students with significant needs, this tool helps educators track reading, writing, and communication progress authentically. It pairs well with Readtopia and Comprehensive Literacy for All.
ARIS and STAR
Both ARIS and STAR assessments offer structured progress monitoring for students with extensive needs. STAR is often preferred for its clarity, ease of use, and actionable data that helps guide instruction and interventions.
Learning That Supports Your Students Where They Are
Curriculum and assessments for severe special education classrooms must do more than check boxes. They should respect each learner’s pace, honor communication differences, and celebrate small but meaningful progress. The best programs focus on real-life skills, literacy access, functional academics, and communication-based learning that truly supports student growth.
The right combination of curriculum and assessment can transform instruction, help teams write stronger IEPs, and ensure students are growing in ways that matter for their daily lives, independence, and future.
