The goal of Special Education services is to provide students with verified disabilities learning opportunities in the least restrictive environment, allowing maximum participation in general education settings. The student’s IEP team identifies services and supports that are needed for participation and progress in the general curriculum. A continuum of services are available ranging from self contained classrooms to full participation in general education courses with special education support. Contact your IEP case manager or building Special Education Department Head for further information.

Students with disabilities have a variety of course options at the high school level. The intent is to provide the maximum amount of participation in the general education setting through strategic interventions, collaborative teaching and direct instruction. Regular district assessments are administered. Students may participate in:

• general education classes with support in a resource period. Focus is given to developing learning and study strategies. Students will be expected to define compensatory skills to facilitate active learning in the general education classroom setting. Class activities will include but not be limited to time management, goal setting, problem solving, assignment analysis and self-advocacy.

 

• general education classes that are co-taught by a general education teacher and special education teacher. In a co-taught class, both teachers share instructional responsibilities for the students by co-planning, co-instructing and co-assessing.

 

• special education sections of core classes such as English or mathematics. These classes cover the same standards but may utilize materials with modified reading levels while using a slower pace to cover the standards.

     

Students with more severe disabilities may participate in an alternate curriculum focusing on alternate standards and functional living skills. Most instruction for these students is provided by a special education teacher in the core areas with the students participating in general education classes and activities as appropriate. Progress is measured using the state alternate assessment. Students receive an adjusted diploma.
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Resource

This program serves students with a variety of disabilities. Special education staff provides interventions, accommodations and modifications that support the students’ participation and progress in the general curriculum.

Alternate Curriculum Program

This program serves students with cognitive disabilities who require instruction focused on functional academic, social and vocational training. Students participate in this program because of the severity of their disabilities and the amount of support required to meet their individual needs. Students also participate in integrative classes and activities with their general education peers as appropriate.

Behavior Skills Program

This program focuses interventions on the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students while providing instruction to support the students’ participation and progress in the general curriculum. Behavior intervention plans are individualized to meet the needs of each student. Students are integrated into general education classrooms whenever possible.

Hearing Impaired Program

This program serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Signing Exact English (SEE II) is the communication system used for instruction as well as with visual support for other students. Students participate in the general education curriculum with the support of sign language interpreters. Students also receive enhanced vocabulary and language development instruction.

Work Experience Program

Work-based experiences foster adult employment success for all youth, particularly for those with disabilities. Exposing youth with disabilities to work-based experiences helps them in identifying their career interests in building self-confidence. In addition, it provides an opportunity for them to learn about workplace culture and expectations and to make what they are learning in school more meaningful through real-world applications. This program is designed for high school students who are enrolled in any of the Special Education Programs and have earned 24 credits or are 17 years old.

Speech-Language Therapy Program

Speech-language therapy is available to students with diagnosed speech and/or language problems. Grade and credit options relate to the time commitment made by the student. Services are also available for students with visual impairments or acoustical handicaps and/or physical handicaps.

Behavior Skills Program

This program focuses interventions on the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students while providing instruction to support the students’ participation and progress in the general curriculum. Behavior intervention plans are individualized to meet the needs of each student. Students are integrated into general education classrooms whenever possible.

Hearing Impaired Program

This program serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Signing Exact English (SEE II) is the communication system used for instruction as well as with visual support for other students. Students participate in the general education curriculum with the support of sign language interpreters. Students also receive enhanced vocabulary and language development instruction.

Work Experience Program

Work-based experiences foster adult employment success for all youth, particularly for those with disabilities. Exposing youth with disabilities to work-based experiences helps them in identifying their career interests in building self-confidence. In addition, it provides an opportunity for them to learn about workplace culture and expectations and to make what they are learning in school more meaningful through real-world applications. This program is designed for high school students who are enrolled in any of the Special Education Programs and have earned 24 credits or are 17 years old.

Speech-Language Therapy Program

Speech-language therapy is available to students with diagnosed speech and/or language problems. Grade and credit options relate to the time commitment made by the student. Services are also available for students with visual impairments or acoustical handicaps and/or physical handicaps.

Course Descriptions (PDF)