Andover's Melmark New England Hosts Financial Literacy Fair

Melmark New England in Andover is an evidence-based day school serving children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and challenging behaviors. The majority of its students are highly impaired, having failed public school and other private school settings before coming to Melmark.

Knowing the importance of financial literacy Melmark hosted its 3rd annual Financial Literacy Fair at the end of the school year for its students, as well as those attending from public school districts in the region. More than 100 Melmark students along with 27 students, with 19 staff members, from five local districts participated. The program was made possible through a grant by the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Financial Education Innovation Fund.

In advance of the Fair, classroom teachers prepare students with an overview and "roadmap" that included some information about the various booths and activities, including opportunities to earn incentives (an important tool in positive behavior support). Staff create picture icons and other adaptive instructional tools to accommodate students who are non-verbal, have other medical and intellectual disabilities and for whom traditional learning tools would not be appropriate.