The Special Education Department offers the following courses:
READING I
Two intensive intervention programs created by Scholastic, System 44 and READ 180, are used in the class to help accelerate academic achievement for struggling readers. System 44 systematically integrates lessons on sounds, sound spellings, high-utility sight words, and strategies for unlocking multisyllabic words, providing deep instruction and systematic, adaptive practice. Read 180 is an intensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below the proficient level. Both directly address individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high-interest literature, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills. These instructional models enable the acceleration of struggling readers toward grade-level reading proficiency through a proven balance of direct instruction, small-group differentiation, and individual practice.
READING II
This course is a continuation of Reading I. Students will continue to increase fluency, reinforce phonemic approaches and practice decoding.
REPLACEMENT RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM Gr. 9-12
English, math, science and social studies instruction are provided to students requiring a highly individualized learning program to commensurate with their specific needs and abilities. The program’s focus is on remediating, developing, and improving skills in the core curricular areas.
ACADEMIC CONSULTATION Gr. 9
In addition to the Academic Consultation description below, students in 9th grade will receive credit for this course as well as direct instruction related to overall study skills. These skills will allow each student to effectively transition into high school, self-advocate, and heighten awareness of a variety of learning strategies. Students will explore and define a variety of skills, such as, learning styles, self-advocacy, organization, time management, etc. with the overall objective of application in the general education setting.
ACADEMIC CONSULTATION Gr. 10-12
Academic consultation is a non-credit course designed to assist students in organizing, planning, and self-advocacy for current courses as well as increasing college and career readiness. Students in this course require support in the areas of executive functioning with the overall objective to foster independence. Students can use additional time (if needed), receive help with organization, test preparation, and course projects; as well as reinforcement of concepts and/or skills taught in their general education courses.
IN-CLASS SUPPORT PROGRAM COURSES Gr. 9-12
An in-class support program is provided in the general education class environment. The program provides students, who require uniquely designed instruction, the support of a special education teacher as well as the content area teacher.
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER SPECIAL CLASS PROGRAM Gr. 9-12
The Alternative Learning Center is a program for students whose primary concern is the resolution of emotionally related issues that override their learning process. All academics are on grade level and mirror the general education curriculum. Counseling is a main component to this program with the overall goal of providing support and instruction relating to each students overall emotional well-being.
ADULT TRANSITIONAL COMMUNITY Gr. 9-12
This program has two components, Autism and Multiple Disabilities, both designed to address the goals and objectives in each student’s individualized Education Plan. Students receive instruction in a small group and/or individual setting, and all classrooms facilitate skill development that support transitional needs for adult life. The Autism component is ABA structured as needed, with varying focus for each student. The academics have a functional application and include a vocational component with attention to preparation to post-secondary life. The Multiple Disabilities component includes a full time Nurse to support student’s medical needs and focuses on assimilating students to their community and environment while receiving direct instruction on communication.
EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM (EOPI) Gr. 9-10
The Employment Orientation Program (EOP 1) is focused on teaching students skills that are necessary in the workplace. Students will explore hands-on learning experiences related to employment and receive direct instruction on skills that are relevant to the employment world.
EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM (EOP II) Gr. 11-12
The Employment Orientation II Program (EOP II) is focused on providing acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of employment skills that can be utilized in future work settings while instilling self-confidence in each student. Prerequisite: EOP I
UNIFIED LEADERSHIP I Gr. 9-12
Leadership I is designed to enable the student to successfully assist, guide, and coach students with special needs during their school day. The Unified Leaders will assist the students with special needs in all areas throughout the day including academics, elective courses, lunch, and employment. Unified Leaders will work with special class program teachers on specific prompting levels, data collection, social skill instruction, and overall growth in independence.
UNIFIED LEADERSHIP II Gr. 9-12
Leadership II is designed for students to continue their work with students with special needs. Students would further develop the skills and tasks listed in Unified Leadership I. Many of the students who take this course are interested in careers in special education and/or working with individuals with special needs.
PREPARING for INDEPENDENT LIVING OPPORTUNITIES AND TRANSITION Post-Secondary
Preparing for Independent Living Opportunities and Transition is designed to provide naturally occurring life experiences for students with special needs. Transitional and life skill instruction is provided in the classroom as well as in the community. This small group instructional setting is designed to promote independence for students as they prepare for adult life.
CAREER EXPLORATION/MENTORING Post-Secondary
The career exploration program is a community based vocational training program. This course affords students the opportunity to be mentored at approximately eight different businesses. The job sampling component helps students transfer job related skills across work settings, and make an informed decision regarding their future vocation.
Prerequisite: EOP II
CAREER DEVELOPMENT Post-Secondary
The Career Development program is for students previously enrolled in the Career Exploration program. Students are provided opportunities to further refine their skills in career areas of student interest.
Prerequisite: EOP II
