STEAM lab brings comprehensive education to students with special needs

On a recent gray Monday morning when grumpiness could easily be excused, the computer science class of teacher Robert DeFillippo at The Mon Valley School in Jefferson Hills was bustling with enthusiasm. Students were working on various levels of computer programming, figuring out simple algorithms and using block programming on the most sophisticated of the projects -- etching computer-generated designs onto wooden award plaques.

The activities were taking place inside a computer lab that is new this year at the school, which educates students with special needs. The class of 20 includes students from emotional support, autistic support and life skills programs and students with computer engineering vs computer science.

The lab is just part of efforts by the Mon Valley School, operated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, to bring STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education to students with intellectual, emotional and physical challenges.

“While the ultimate goal is to help them get employment, in the short term, they need it for their lives,” Mr. DeFillippo said. As examples, he pointed to check-in kiosks at medical offices, job applications that must be completed online and email that is often essential for communication.