Academic
Special education students are tested upon entering HEC to determine their present level of academic performance. Although academic progress will vary greatly from student to student, based upon their level of ability, HEC’s academic standard goal is to raise students one to two grade levels of achievement for each academic year of work they complete at HEC. The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement isadministered fall, spring and annually for the purpose of using standardized measures for tracking academic gains. Identified objectives are outlined in their individual education plans.

Developmental
Through therapeutic intervention, individual and group therapy at HEC, each child is expected to reach the highest developmental level possible. HEC’s development standard is successful integration into the mainstream of a student’s peers. This is facilitated by approaching mainstreaming in  small and manageable steps, beginning with outings in the community, on-site campus, ROP, and finally partial day mainstreaming into a public school. 

Personal
A standard of personal excellence is the goal of HEC. The manifestation of this will vary by standard based upon his emotional and developmental level. Personal excellence is defined as a student demonstrating his very best, and being rewarded for his best efforts. Our levels system of behavioral accountability promotes this goal.

Social
Although varying levels of emotional stability and training prior to arriving at HEC will undoubtedly impact the social performance of our students, the standard for social functioning at HEC is appropriate behavior. This enables these students to positively interact with adults and peers in the mainstream of school and community. To this end, field trips are taken at least twice a year to reinforce appropriate social behavior. And, outside entertainers and consultants are brought in to provide assemblies and workshops (i.e. dance, art, career exploration, etc.)  Teachers are always looking for opportunities to assist students in developing these skills.  Be it at the lunch table with peers, on one of our many community outings or field trips, in the auditorium during assemblies, or during extracurricular events such as the science fair, sporting events or club events.

Community/Adult Living
Another goal of HEC is to have students to be self-sufficient as adults, able to work, participate, and contribute to society. Not only is it expected that existing troubled teens will be academically successful, but they should fully participate in the community through the myriad of options available to them as adults in terms of work, transportation, education, and personal rights.