The STAR program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research, Arick, Loos, Falco, Krug, 2004) is a research-validated comprehensive curriculum that includes detailed lesson plans, teaching materials, data systems and a curriculum-based assessment for teaching in the six curricular areas of receptive language, expressive language, spontaneous language, functional routines, academics, and play & social skills. The strategies used in The STAR Program have been shown to be effective with students with autism at the preschool and elementary level.