Special Education Courses

Recommended Prerequisite:  Must be an identified Special Education student who is concurrently enrolled in at least one regular content class.

Learning Strategies supports special education students in their general education classes by combining strategies interventions, daily independent reading and tutorial assistance.  Learning Strategies includes reading textbooks, paraphrasing, note taking, listening skills, test taking, researching and writing papers, and assignment completion.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/English 1-2 is a one-year English class for special education students. Enrollment is recommended for those students reading and writing significantly below grade level and require small group instruction. The focus includes development of skills: vocabulary, reading comprehension, lifelong reading habits, study and research, literary response and analysis, multi-paragraph essays, proofreading and self-editing, basics of MLA, and speaking and listening strategies.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/English 3-4 is a one-year English class for special education students. Enrollment is recommended for those students reading and writing significantly below grade level and require small group instruction. The focus includes development of skills: vocabulary, reading comprehension, lifelong reading habits, study and research, literary response and analysis, multi-paragraph essays, proofreading and self-editing, basics of MLA, and speaking and listening strategies.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/English 5-6 is a one-year English class for special education students. Enrollment is recommended for those students reading and writing significantly below grade level and require small group instruction. The focus includes development of skills to improve critical reading and writing through the use of fiction and nonfiction stories, novels, and drama by American authors. Multi-paragraph composition and research writing skills will be addressed.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/English 7-8 is a one-year English class for special education students. Enrollment is recommended for those students reading and writing significantly below grade level and require small group instruction. The focus includes development of skills to improve critical reading skills and written language through the use of fiction and nonfiction stories, novels, and drama. Multi-paragraph composition and research writing skills will be addressed.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Special Education, teacher recommendation

Integrated Mathematics 1 uses properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge from prior grades. The critical areas organized into units deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships. The Mathematical Practice Standards together with the content standards prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Special Education, teacher recommendation

The focus of Integrated Mathematics II is on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions. The link between probability and data is explored through conditional probability and counting methods, including their use in making and evaluating decisions. The study of similarity leads to an understanding of right triangle trigonometry and connects to quadratics through Pythagorean relationships. Circles with their quadratic algebraic representations round out the course. The Mathematical Practice Standards together with the content standards prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in special education; teacher recommendation

L/World History 1-2 is a chronological survey of the modern world from the late 18th century to the present.  This course is for special education students who are reading below grade level and who will benefit from extensive work on both reading and writing skills.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in special education; teacher recommendation

In this course students examine major turning points in American History in the twentieth century.  This course is for students who are reading below grade level and are currently enrolled in special education.  (This course is not offered every year.)

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Special  Education; teacher recommendation

L/Civics is designed to help individual students become more aware of the benefits of citizen involvement in American politics. This course includes the factors affecting political behavior; the philosophical basis of a democratic society; a pragmatic view of the system's operation; the political, economic, and social factors and their impact on political behavior and decision making; the relationship of the branches of government; and the impact of political decision making on social, economic, and political issues. This course will place an emphasis on individual reading, writing, and oral communication skills within the social sciences.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in Special Education; teacher recommendation

L/Economics is designed for Special Education students with lower academic skills and who are in need of extensive work on both reading and writing skills. The course will deal with the major concepts of economics with emphasis on their practical personal application. The content will include (1) fundamental economic concepts; (2) the role of government, labor, and business in the functioning of the economy; (3) a useable understanding of the United States economy as it relates to students as consumers, workers, and citizens; (4) practical money and financial management.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in Special Education; teacher recommendation

L/Geoscience 1-2 is a one-year laboratory science course designed to meet the needs of those students who are unable to achieve success in a mainstream course. Enrollment is recommended for those students reading and writing below grade level. The focus of this course is on the basic concepts and skills of chemistry and physics through the detailed study of the Earth and Space sciences. This course focuses on the dynamic interrelationships between the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and the Earth-universe system. There is a strong emphasis on qualitative and quantitative laboratory activities that foster a deeper understanding of content, while emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Laboratory activities include traditional methodologies and include the use of electronic and digital technologies. This course is aligned to PUSD and State Standards for Science.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in Special Education; teacher recommendation

L/Biology 1-2 is a one-year laboratory science course designed to meet the needs of those students who are unable to achieve success in a mainstream course. Enrollment is recommended for those reading and writing below grade level. The focus is on the diversity and interdependence of organisms as applied to biological systems, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiological processes. Lab skills will be emphasized and field activities will be included. The course is aligned to PUSD and State Standards for Science.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/Health Skills presents a thorough study of contemporary health concerns and the means for their control and/or prevention.  Topics include infectious and chronic diseases, CPR/first aid, sex education, nutrition/fitness, mental health and substance abuse.  Students will also receive instruction in developing successful study skills. (This course is not offered every semester.)

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/Reading Skills is a course designed for special education students with learning disabilities.  It provides guidance in the development of very basic reading and language skills.  The program begins at the student's present reading level and works toward language growth in word attack, vocabulary, and comprehensive skills.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in special education; Teacher recommendation

L/Math Skills 1-8 is designed to introduce students enrolled in Special Education courses to basic math skills.  The focus of the course will be to study operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.  In addition, measurement, graphs, and scale drawing will be addressed.

Recommended Prerequisite: Enrollment in Special Education

Vocational Domain Skills 1-2 will enable Special Education students to become more aware of themselves and their relationship to the world of work. Students will gain insights into the effect of their behavior on interpersonal relationships and job success. They will gain self-confidence and independence while learning basic reading, writing, and mobility skills necessary for successful job performance. Skill acquisition will be mastered in natural settings.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Special Education

Domestic Domain Skills 1-8 will provide training in daily living skills for Special Education students in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This course will offer critical independent living experiences in managing a household, preparing meals, caring for personal needs, and social/emotional development.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Special Education

Community Domain Skills 1-8 is a course that will provide Special Education students training in money management and community/civic responsibilities. Familiarization with community resources will be emphasized. Exploration of community transportation options will be covered.