The Behavior and Education Support (BES) Program supports Students in grades 1 through 5 with emotional disabilities and students with other disabilities who require intensive behavioral support.

BES program classrooms are full-time classrooms for students who have been identified with an emotional disability or who have challenging behaviors that interfere with learning. Each classroom provides a safe and structured learning

environment supported by trained staff who focus on individual student goals. Payne ES has a Primary BES classroom for students in grades 1 through 3 and an Intermediate BES classroom for students in grades 3 through 5.

Eligibility

The BES program serves students in 1st through 5th grades who have severe behaviors and have not responded to interventions in the general education setting. Students can enroll in these classrooms only if the IEP team believes the

full-time BES program services are necessary. Students in BES program classrooms spend most of their time in the full-time classroom; however, students can begin to transition to a general education setting if the IEP team determines that they are ready.  There are also opportunities for interaction with same age/grade peers during special subject classes, lunch and recess.

Instructional Model

BES program classrooms are highly structured and supportive settings. The curriculum aligns to the Common Core State Standards, as well as the DCPS Scope and Sequence. Reading programs such as System 44, Read 180 and Reading Wonders as well as other programs at the school are available to students in BES programs.

Classroom Support

Every BES program has three trained staff members: a certified special education teacher, an instructional paraprofessional and a behavior technician. Staff members in every class are trained in Safety Care (behavior management program), de-escalation techniques and reading interventions. The BES coaches also visit classrooms regularly to provide individualized training and support to classroom staff. Specially trained and certified related service providers support the physical and emotional needs of students in accordance with their IEP.

For more information, contact: osi.behavior@dc.gov