About Unique
ULS Foundation
A standard-based curriculum program designed specifically for students with significant disabilities.
Unique Learning System is the ONLY online, dynamic, standards-based curriculum specifically designed
for special learners. Subscribers download monthly instructional thematic units of study. Each unit
contains 30 lesson plans and downloadable materials that teachers can readily implement into classroom
learning activities. All materials are created using SymbolStix graphics. The unit lesson plans define
three levels of differentiated tasks to accommodate the diversity of learners with significant disabilities.
Organized Into 5 Grade Level Bands
- Elementary (K-2)
- Intermediate (3-4)
- Middle School (5-7)
- High School (8-11)
- Transition (11+) *NEW*
Unique’s thematic units are Science and Social Studies themed and include comprehensive activities for all five core competencies:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Unique Learning System also integrates seamlessly with the News-2-You weekly current events newspaper.
Monthly suggested activities are available to help teacher make the connection.
Lesson Plans
Each month, there are a total of 30 new lesson provided within each grade band. Lesson plans encompass a
consistent format of activities with varied content and skills for each monthly unit. They center around
an Instructional Target which align with the essence of the national content standards. These can easily
be adapted to align with state specific standards.
Each plan is also differentiated into three learning levels to provide teachers with the ability to teach
the same material to all students of varying cognitive abilities.
- Level 1: Students typically require maximum support within instructional tasks. For these students, increasing the level of participation is the main objective.
- Level 2: Students require picture support and other direct support in learning and the demonstration of skills.
- Level 3: Students typically are reading or have potential to learn to read text and independently demonstrate comprehension of learned information within modified content.
How It Works...
- Choose your grade band
- Download the month's lesson plans
- Use the pre-made differentiated materials
(Included are: storybooks, articles, chapter books, comprehension activities, math activities, life skills activities, and MUCH MORE!
- Present standards-based classroom instruction
- Create individual student profiles and personalized teaching strategies online
- Track student progress online with monthly checkpoints
Additional Tools
- Student Profile: Educators create individualized learning profiles for each student online.
- Checkpoints: Input, store, and track student progress by importing testing scores into the online tool.
- Administrator Access: Allows supervisors to view lessons, monitor teacher/student progress, and ensure compliance of curriculum adoption.
- AND MUCH MORE!
Transition Band
Unique Learning System now includes a fifth Transition Band! The main goal of the transition curriculum is to create a
realistic atmosphere of skill learning that will be needed when exiting the school setting, entering the work setting and
living with optimal independence. Intended for students who are beyond the 12th grade year or who have met high school
requirements, the Unique Learning System Transition Program offers programming options and materials to support educators
who are addressing transition training for older students.
CLICK HERE to download an overview of the Transition band.
Top 10 Things to Know About Unique Learning System
1. ULS is based on Instructional Targets that align to state standards
- These targets provide the direction for standards-based instruction, alternate assessment processes and IEP goal attainment.
2. ULS is designed in 5 grade level bands
Select a grade level band that aligns to the chronological (not developmental) grade of your students.
- Elementary (Grades K-2)
- Intermediate (Grades 3-4)
- Middle School (Grades 5-7)
- High School (Grades 8-11)
- Transition (Grades 12+)
3. Differentiated Tasks
Provide guidance on how to include ALL students in the same activity, different levels of expectation.
- Level 1: Students typically require maximum support within instructional tasks. For these students,
increasing the level of participation is the main objective.
- Level 2: Students may require picture support and other direct support in learning and the demonstration
of comprehension.
- Level 3: Students are typically learning to read text, produce simple writing, perform basic math
processes and can independently demonstrate comprehension of modified learning information.
4. 30 lessons are provided each month
- New lessons and materials go on the first Wednesday of each month.
- Two months are always up on the web: the current month and the next month. Lessons are NOT intended to be taught in
sequential order. Lessons are taught multiple times throughout the month.
- Students need multiple opportunities to practice skills and learn information.
- A suggested monthly plan is provided in the ULS Tools.
5. There are multiple ways to download materials
- Download all the lessons AND materials at once.
- Download all the lesson plans.
- Download single lesson and materials.
6. Lessons are based on Science and Social Studies topics
- Reading, writing and math activities are built around this topic.
- There is a 3-year cycle of new topics.
- Complete list of this year’s topics are on the front page of the ULS web page.
7. Leveled books are provided in Lesson 1 of each grade band
These are very easy read books. Three books, three levels, one topic
- Intermediate and Elementary levels contain a second book.
- Middle School and High school contain a chapter book.
- Additional leveled books can be found in the Unique online library. Search by level or topic.
8. Unique GPS
The new Unique GPS provides a comprehensive way to collect student data on various skills and abilities.
- Profiles capture a picture of skills and abilities in academic and transition skill areas.
- Checkpoints provide a means to assess progress on unit materials through pre and post assessments.
- Level 1 Checkpoint version available for students with severe/profound disabilities.
- Benchmarking assessments in areas of reading, writing and math provide baseline data.
- Core Rubrics address transition readiness skill areas for all ages of students.
- Transition Planning enables older students to create their own futures plan.
9. Core Materials
Core Materials provide a foundation for transition skill development in the context of routine classroom activities.
- Students select and develop their own goals for improvement.
10. Unique Lessons integrate and complement the weekly News-2-You article and activities
- Suggested links are provided.