Message Where Special Education Takes FlightA ComprehensiveAssessment andCurriculum!A ComprehensiveAssessment andCurriculum!ESBy Specially Designed Education Services
INTRODUCING!THE BRAND NEW
FunctionalAcademicsProgramWhere Students inSpecial Education TakeFLIGHTSpecially DesignedEducation ServicesBy
THE ONLYSTUDENT-FOCUSEDPROGRAMTHAT UNIQUELYADDRESSES STATESTANDARDS
FUNCTIONALReadingMathScienceSocial Studies+A Whole Lot More!NOT YOUR TYPICAL STANDARDS-BASED SPECIALEDUCATION CURRICULUM!Created by teachers, Functional Academics is acomprehensive, MEANINGFUL curriculum focusedexclusively on what students need while alsoaddressing the State Standards.See for Yourself!
ConceptsFunctional MathFunctional Social StudiesCommunity-Based TrainingFunctional ReadingIndependent SkillsTechnologyFunctional ScienceContent Areas8ContentAreas28Sub-ContentAreas175CurriculumLessonsContent Area Sectionsand LessonsELEMENTARY LEVEL
ConceptsGeneralization GamesColorsMatching Identifying Word-to-Color ComprehensionShapesMatching Identifying Word-to-ShapeComprehensionLocationsMatchingNatural EnvironmentConcept Cards Word-to-ConceptComprehensionComparativesMatching and PairingNatural EnvironmentConcept Cards Word-to-ConceptComprehensionBONUS MeasurementsMatching Natural EnvironmentConcept Cards DescriptivesMatching and ExploringNatural EnvironmentConcept Cards Word-to-ConceptComprehensionFeelingsMatching and MirroringConcept Cards Identifying and Demonstrating Word-to-ConceptComprehensionFunctional Language ArtsReadingLetter/Sound IdentificationName IdentificationSight WordsSight Word ConnectionSight Word ShortsShort StoriesExpanding ComprehensionBuilding ProficiencyWritingNameThe Alphabet (Phase I)Numbers (Phase I)Personal Information (Phase I)The Alphabet (Phase II)Numbers (Phase II)Personal Info (Phase II)Functional MathFundamentalsNumber Association & RoteCountingEntering NumbersNumber-Object AssociationNumber ID & CountingOne-to-One Correspondence Comparing NumbersPatterningMoney IdentificationSkip CountingAdding & SubtractingNumbersEntering PricesAdding PricesSubtracting PricesMultiplying NumbersMultiplying PricesDividing NumbersDividing PricesMoney BillsMatching and CountingNext-Dollar StrategyOver-the-AmountMoney CoinsMatchingMatching & CountingCounting Counting CombinationsCounting Exact ChangeCounting Over-the-AmountTime TellingDigital TimeMatching Using a ScheduleTelling TimeCalendarMatching DaysMatching MonthsIdentifying DaysIdentifying MonthsDay/Month AbbreviationsCommunity-Based TrainingOut & AboutStreet CrossingCommunity SafetyUsing TransportationPlanning a Field TripShopping & DiningUsing a Vending MachineShoppingShopping with a CalculatorEating Out (Fast Food)Eating Out (Restaurant)Functional SciencePhysicalSorting & ClassifyingManaging AdaptiveEquipment/TechUsing Electronics & OutletsPreparing a SnackLifeMatching Body PartsIdentifying Body PartsCrossing MidlineIdentifying SensesHand WashingFood Groups & HealthyChoicesHealth & HygieneLiving ThingsGrowing Plants/GardeningPet CareEarthIdentifying WeatherIdentifying SeasonsDressing Appropriately Weather/Season AssociationIdentifying Recycle, Compost,& GarbageTechnologyManaging AccessibilityOptionsTabletUsing a Tablet for LeisureUsing a Tablet for TasksCaring for a TabletPhoneAnswering a PhoneMaking CallsHaving ConversationsManaging a Personal PhoneMaking Emergency CallsComputerOperating a ComputerMatching LettersTypingEmailing Part 1: CheckingEmailing Part 2: SendingSafe Online PracticesUsing the InternetFunctional Social StudiesHistoryHolidaysCalendar ConceptsIdentifying DatesTime ConceptsGeographyTransportationIdentifying LandmarksMap SkillsTransportation PrepLandformsCivicsIdentifying CommunityHelpersDescribing CommunityHelpersEmergency PreparednessFollowing Classroom & SchoolRulesSelf-AdvocacyVotingEconomicsDetermining Wants & NeedsSaving an AllowanceClassroom JobsHousehold ChoresSelling PlantsRecycling, Composting, &Garbage ServicesIndependent SkillsPlanningPicture IdentificationUsing Visual SupportsManaging MaterialsChecking a ScheduleLunch RoutineMorning Routine (Home)Morning Routine (School)Afternoon Routine (School)Bedtime Routine (Home)Self-MonitoringGreetingBehaviorSocial SkillsInitiativeMaking ChoicesTransitionsBreak ChoicesPersonal ManagementUsing the BathroomTeeth BrushingDressing: PantsDressing: ShirtDressing: SocksDressing: ShoesDressing: CoatDressing: Tie ShoelacesZippingButtoningUsing Classroom SuppliesIdentifying PersonalInformationDOWNLOAD ACOPY
Functional ReadingVocationalTechnologyFunctional ScienceExecutive FunctioningCommunity-Based TrainingFunctional MathFunctional Social StudiesContent Areas8ContentAreas26Sub-ContentAreas185CurriculumLessonsContent Area Sectionsand LessonsSECONDARY LEVEL
Functional Language ArtsReadingName IdentificationSight WordsSight Word ComprehensionSight Word ApplicationSentence ComprehensionFinding InformationApplying InformationCurrent EventsWritingPersonal InformationDates & TimesPersonal Information inContextPricesFilling Out FormsOPTIONAL: Check WritingTechnologyManaging Accessibility OptionsTabletUsing a Tablet for LeisureUsing a Tablet for TasksCaring for a TabletPhoneAnswering CallsMaking CallsMaking Emergency CallsAdding Business ContactsAdding Personal ContactsTexting Part 1: CheckingTexting Part 2: SendingSafety & EtiquetteComputerOperating a ComputerMatching LettersTypingEmailing Part 1: CheckingEmailing Part 2: SendingOnline Safety PrepOnline Safety PracticeUsing the InternetUsing Social MediaCommunity-Based TrainingOut & AboutCommunity SafetySocially Appropriate BehaviorPracticeStreet CrossingWaiting in LineUsing an Escalator/ElevatorUsing TransportationCompleting an OutingShopping & DiningUsing a Vending MachineGrocery ShoppingShopping with a CalculatorShoppingEating Out (Fast Food)Eating Out (Restaurant)Money WiseUsing an mPOS to PayUsing a BankUsing an ATM for WithdrawalsUsing an ATM for DepositsFunctional MathPractical MathEntering NumbersAdding & Subtracting NumbersEntering PricesAdding PricesSubtracting PricesSkip CountingMultiplying NumbersMultiplying PricesDividing NumbersDividing PricesMoney BillsMatchingMatching & CountingComparative ShoppingNext-Dollar StrategyOver-the-AmountMoney CoinsMatchingMatching & CountingCounting Counting CombinationsCounting Exact ChangeCounting Over-the-AmountManaging FinancesUsing Prepaid CardsmPOS Payment Practice Making Deposits &WithdrawalsTransferring MoneyPaying BillsBudgeting & BankingATM Practice Part 1ATM Practice Part 2ATM Practice Part 3Online Banking Part 1Online Banking Part 2Online Banking Part 3Online Banking Part 4Online Banking Part 5Time TellingUsing an AppMatchingUsing a ScheduleTelling TimeFunctional SciencePhysicalConcept DevelopmentManaging AdaptiveEquipment/TechGrocery Departments & FoodStorageUsing Appliances & OutletsLife/BiologyMatching Body PartsIdentifying Body PartsHand WashingHealthy ChoicesHealth & HygieneMeal PlanningFood Prep HygieneGrowing Plants/GardeningPet CareEarthDressing Appropriately Using the Weather AppIdentifying Recycle, Compost,& GarbageExecutive FunctioningTime ManagementTime TrackingDay/Month AbbreviationsApplying Calendar ConceptsManaging a CalendarManaging TimeScheduling AppointmentsIndependent SkillsPicture IdentificationGreetingSocial EmotionalSocially Appropriate BehaviorTaking InitiativeUsing the BathroomMaking ChoicesTransitionsBreak ChoicesUsing Visual SupportsChecking a ScheduleIdentifying PersonalInformationPersonal SafetyIndependent LivingHousehold ChoresCooking UtensilsPreparing a SnackLoading the DishwasherUnloading the DishwasherCleaning the KitchenUsing a MicrowaveUsing an Oven Part 1Using an Oven Part 2Using a StoveHome Ec (Cooking)Cleaning Messes (Home)Cleaning Messes (School)Laundry Part 1Laundry Part 2Laundry Part 3Laundry Part 4Safety & Problem SolvingFunctional Social StudiesHistoryMatching Days/Months inContextIdentifying Days/Months inContextIdentifying DatesHolidaysConcept of TimeGeographyIdentifying LandmarksIdentifying Directions & StreetSignsUsing Map/Transit AppsTransportation PlanningNavigating the CommunityCivicsCommunity SupportCommunity ResourcesSelf-AdvocacyFollowing Classroom &Workplace RulesVotingEmergency PreparednessEconomicsWants & NeedsCalculating a TipCalculating Sales TaxBanking Term ComprehensionInterpreting Paychecks & BillsFinancial TransactionsVocationalJob PrepCareer ExplorationWork BehaviorWork HygieneWork EthicGetting a JobGetting Started at WorkSelf-Advocacy at WorkJob SkillsFilingData EntryTaking MessagesCustomer Service Giving ChangeTask Specific (Sample)Work ExperienceClassroom Job (CreatingMaterials)Classroom Job (StudentSchedules)Taking Coffee OrdersMail DeliveryMarketing Selling PlantsRecycling, Composting, &Garbage ServicesDOWNLOAD ACOPY
HOW THEPROGRAM WORKS
The AssessmentLesson Plans & DataPLOP ChartsFlow ChartsLong & Short-Term GoalsLong & Short-Term GoalsPLOP ChartsFlow ChartsLesson Plans & DataWriting Meaningful IEPsThe Student PortfolioTHE BIG PICTURE
ASSESS EACH STUDENTFollowing the Assessment Sequence foreach Content AreaExampleAssessment SequencePart 1: Practical ReadingIdentifying NameReading Sight WordsComprehending Sight WordsAnswering WH QuestionsPart 2: WritingWriting Personal Information with a ModelWriting Dates and TimesWriting Numbers for MonthsWriting PricesWriting Personal InformationWriting Words for Numbers
5/10/2026USE THE ASSESSMENT RESULTSTo Determine Present Levels of Performance100% 24%5/10/2026100%6 124%9 .245/10/2026
USE PRESENT LEVELSTo Determine Curriculum Lessons to TeachTEACH THIS
DETAILED LESSON PLANWith Directions for Getting Started
LESSON SCRIPTSFor Easy Reference when Teaching
EVERYTHING IS ALSODIGITALTeachers Access the FLIGHT Lesson Plan viaQR Code or Directly within FLIGHTIncludeseverythingfrom printand more!
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EXPLORE ANINTERACTIVE FLIGHTLESSON PLANCheck Out1of175ElementaryLessonsCheck Out1of185SecondaryLessons
DOCUMENTATIONAND ACCOUNTABILITYToward IEP ProgressLesson Types w/DataDiscrete Trial Task Analysis Small GroupIndependentVariable
TAKE DATA IN PRINTUsing the Corresponding Data Sheets forEach Lesson
Propelling SpecialEducation IEPProgress Monitoringand Reporting to anUnprecedentedLevel!&TAKE DATA IN FLIGHT!Using the First and Only Automated, OnlineData Collection System that Links Directly toa Comprehensive Functional AcademicsCurriculum FunctionalLearningInsightsGuidingHelpingTeachers
Number ofPromptsSUPER SIMPLEDiscreteTrialEnter PrintData in 3Easy Steps
PROGRESS AT AGLANCE
DETAILED ANDSUMMARIZED FOR IEPS
CREATE CUSTOMLESSONSOne Place. All Your Data.No more juggling multiple systems. Track everyskill—custom or built-in—in FLIGHT.
LEADERSHIP-LEVELVISIBILITYQuickly and easily viewschool, team member,and student data.ORRUN A REPORT AND GETALL THE INFORMATIONYOU NEED!
REGISTER FOR A FREE10-DAY TRIAL OFFLIGHTSee how simple data collection can be!
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SEE A MORE DETAILEDPROGRAM SAMPLEThis brief samplefeaturing Elementary(Colors) illustratesthe Assessment anddemonstrates howthe results connect tothe comprehensiveCurriculumThis brief samplefeaturing Secondary(Practical Math)illustrates theAssessment anddemonstrates how theresults connect to thecomprehensiveCurriculum
OtherProgramComponents
The Functional Academics Program delivers amassive, ready-to-use library of instructionalmaterials—designed specifically for studentswith moderate to severe disabilities—soteachers never have to scramble to create orfind resources.Two Complete Systems in One:1.Functional Academics Testing Kit – Allmaterials needed for the full assessment,prepped and ready.2.Curriculum Materials Library – Yourdaily go-to for every lesson, skill practice,generalization, and independent workactivity.MATERIALS LIBRARY
What You Get:Thousands of color-printed flashcards,clip cards, worksheets, visual supports,and real-world activities.Waterproof, tear-proof, and dry-erasecoated for long-term durability and reuse.Organized in a sturdy crate with labeled,icon-matched folders for every contentand sub-content area.Functional, age-appropriate, andengaging materials for academics, dailyliving skills, vocational prep, and more.Digital access in FLIGHT to everyresource—plus customizable, fillable, anddownloadable extras.MATERIALS LIBRARY
TEACHERS HIT THEGROUND RUNNING
SEE A SAMPLE!Check OutSomeofThousandsof ElementaryActivities andResourcesThe links below offer a guided peek into theMaterials Library. Keep in mind, this is only asample!Check OutSomeofThousandsof SecondaryActivities andResources
The Student Portfolio is used to gatheradditional information needed to gainawareness of the whole child in orderto program appropriately and providesa much-needed cohesiveness betweenhome and school. Teachers are given many modifiableforms including documents used tohelp with the transition process fromkindergarten through high school totransition and beyond. The following page shows the areascovered by the Elementary andSecondary Student Portfolios.THE PORTFOLIOProgramming for the Whole Child
About Me andMy IEPRelatedServicesInterpersonalSkillsSelf-CareIndependenceCommunityAccessVocationalInformationPost-SecondaryEducation andServicesOther/StudentWork SamplesTHE PORTFOLIOProgramming for the Whole Child
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EXPLORE THESTUDENT PORTFOLIO!See every Student Portfolio form included in theProgram (view-only). Program customersreceive individual links to print, download, orcomplete each form digitally.
THE TRANSITIONCONNECTIONStudent Voice. Structured Transition.Authentic Ownership.Student-driventransition workbooksdesigned for self-advocacy andfuture planning
Supports studentsin expressinginterests, strengths,needs, and goalsTurns transitionplanning into a shared,student-centeredprocessAccessible, interactive PDFs with:Audio supportsVisual choicesTyping, images, and uploadsIntegrates directlywith FLIGHT and theFA PortfolioSupportscompliancethroughauthenticstudent inputDesigned forstudents with mildto severedisabilitiesMY KEYS TO THEFUTUREHigh School and Beyond Planning fortransition-age students
With purchase, schools receive allgoals written in detailed form in aGoogle spreadsheet for easyuploading into most IEP systems. The spreadsheets are modifiable soeducators can change the verbiageto match school-specific criteria, andat the same time, ensure studentsare working on meaningful andmeasurable IEP goals backed byconcrete data.Over 1,000 goals at each level! IEP GOAL BANKSDetailed, Measurable IEP Goal Banks areprovided with the Program
IEP GOAL BANKSAMPLES
The document linked on the following pageprovides sample alignments to CommonCore Essential Elements for ELA, Math, andScience, as well as North Carolina ExtendedContent Standards for Social Studies, alongwith guidance on how alignment isapproached within the Program. Thedocument also explains our broaderframework for addressing state standardsacross content areas.Updated alignment documents for all contentareas are currently in development and willbe released as they are finalized, ensuringalignment reflects the full scope andstructure of the newly released FunctionalAcademics Program.STANDARD ALIGNMENTA Student-Focused Approach to AddressingState Standards
ELAMathScienceSocial StudiesSTANDARD ALIGNMENTDOCUMENTSs a m p l e
The Functional Academics Programincludes a structured, year-longImplementation Progress Checklistdesigned to support rollout with fidelity—along with built-in “Look-Fors” to ensurecontinued implementation with integritybeyond the first year.Track progress.Monitor consistency.Support teachers.Sustain long-term success.Download the full checklist to see howimplementation becomes measurable,manageable, sustainable — and deliverslasting results for students and teams.ATTENTIONADMINISTRATORSImplementation With Accountability Built In
IMPLEMENTATIONPROGRESS CHECKLIST
PrintPrint TeachingPackages are a one-time purchase perclassroom/teacher. THE FUNCTIONALACADEMICS PROGRAM ISOFFERED AS . . .Functional Language ArtsFunctional MathFunctional MathAssessmentTesting KitEEPhoneTabletWritingMaterialsLibraryEEFunctional Language ArtsFunctional MathFunctional MathAssessmentTesting KitSSPhoneTabletWritingMaterialsLibrarySSView acomprehensivedescription of allthat’s included inthe full Program.
The entire program is offered in print AND online withour new cloud-based data collection and reportingsystem FLIGHT (Functional Learning Insights Guiding& Helping Teachers). Access to FLIGHT is an annual subscription that isincluded with the print program for the first year. PLUS ONLINE
One-Time PurchaseFull Print Program$4875Per Classroom/Teacher2 ndSubscription$150Per Student/Per YearPRICINGYearYear
PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTQuick Start GuideTrain-the-trainerTrain the end userWebinars Free TrainingVideos
Also, please see the attached White Paper whichwas written by Dr. Amanda Danks while she wasan educational consultant. Click this link for details about theresearch basis of the Program.ResearchBasis
Created by special educators who understand thiswork deeply, Suzanne Fitzgerald and Barbara Beckbring more than 60 years of combined experienceworking with children and adults with disabilities acrossa wide range of educational and community settings.The Functional Academics Program and My Keys to theFuture were built to support your classroom with clarity,structure, and purpose.Every tool reflects our belief that students withdisabilities deserve instruction that is intentional,respectful, and life-changing.We are here to support you every step of the way.Thank you for the difference you make every single day.BUILT WITH HEART.BACKED BY EXPERIENCE.Author | President | CEOThe Functional Academics ProgramSpecially Designed Education ServicesAuthor | Director of Creative ContentMy Keys to the FutureSpecially Designed Education ServicesBarbara BeckS. Fitzgerald
“My job as a teacher who supports students with severe needs hasbecome so much easier and more enjoyable since starting TheFunctional Academics Program. The lessons, materials, presentlevels, data sheets and assessments are included in the programand are easy to access. The student binders allow me to createindividualized programs and data for each student based on thespecific skills that they are working on. Managing multiple studentsand multiple adults has made organization a challenge for me in thepast. The way that the Functional Academics curriculum is set uphas created an organized system for each student which has greatlydecreased my stress level. I also love how easy it has been to trainmy team to use the program. The language for each lesson isprovided so I am confident knowing that every person using thecurriculum is doing it the same way. Lastly, the student portfoliosare amazing! I treasure the parent/family feedback forms and amthankful that they will follow my students throughout theireducation. I truly feel like I am a better teacher because of TheFunctional Academics Program.”Lori SinclairSevere Needs Learning Specialist, Douglas County School DistrictTESTIMONIALS
for taking the time to reviewwww.SDESworks.com“I have absolutely loved getting to know the online datacollection suite that SDES has created. Progress monitoringstudent learning is such an important part of special educationand the platform that Functional Academics has created trulymakes inputting data and monitoring student progress simple!Intentional use of meaningful data is exactly what we need tohelp maximize the educational and functional advancement ofour students. The reports are user friendly and give us theinformation we need to support teachers and students in usingThe Functional Academics Curriculum.”Jennifer ONeillSecondary Instructional Specialist, Broken Arrow Public Schools
SCHEDULE ADEMODOWNLOADFULLPRODUCTDETAILSREQUEST A QUOTECONTACTUSIf you haven’t already done so, youare encouraged to sign up for ademo with your teachers,administrators, paraeducators,and colleagues to learn moreabout this innovative program thatis changing special education!Click or share this link: