Student Services

STUDENT SERVICES

Course Name: Emerging Independent Living/Pre-Vocational Skills

Course # 875

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6  

This course is designed to help students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) learn and develop skills to assist them in independent living, as well as to begin to provide direct instruction in vocational skills necessary for the greatest amount of post-secondary independence. Curriculum topics include hygiene, basic cooking, travel training, safety, money management, and other topics.  Curricula are adapted for individual student goals outlined in the IEP. In addition, students may participate in the school’s recycling program, mail center, school store, Student Ambassador Program, as well as opportunities outside the school at locations such as the town library, Audubon Society, and other locations. Students enrolled in the course may also participate in weekly community outings to further develop these skills. Students are assessed through their progress demonstrated during these hands-on and in-class activities.

Course Name: Academic Strategies

Course # TBD

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 1-6 

This course is designed to provide direct instruction in organization, time management, study skills, and other executive functioning skills so that students can make progress in their general education courses. Students have the opportunity to improve their study skills and work habits in a small, structured setting with the support, guidance, and instruction of a special education teacher.  Academic support is provided for test preparation, reading and writing strategies, the use of graphic organizers and outlines, and specific subject areas as needed.  Staff may assist in explaining new concepts or reviewing previously learned concepts; assist with homework or other projects; help students who were absent from school communicate with their teachers to get missed notes and assignments; provide extra time to finish tests that were not able to be completed in the allotted time in a mainstream class, or aid in the organization of school materials.  The small student-to-staff ratio allows for individualized support in each student’s identified area(s) of need.  Students are assessed through in-class activities and assignments.

Course Name: Adult Transition Program

Course # 887

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 18-22 year old students

Credits: 1-6

The Canton Adult Transition Program provides community-based instruction and transition services to post-high school students with Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) who are between the ages of 18-22.  Students are recommended to this course by their IEP Team.  The CATP is designed to meet the needs of the students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have attended high school, yet have not earned their diploma. Students will continue to develop functional math and literacy skills within the classroom and directly in the community setting.  The majority of this course will take place in community outings and in vocational training/work experiences.

Academic Departments

English/Language Arts

English/Language Arts

Course Name: ELA Emerging

Course # 801

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as emerging readers and require intensive support with oral and written language. Taught by a special education teacher in a self-contained, small group environment, students receive direct instruction in reading with a program developed through the team process that focuses on the individual needs of each student. Structure and conventions of written language are taught and developed through guided journaling and response writing. Special education teachers work with the ELA department coordinator to develop curriculum that closely aligns with English courses at each level.

Course Name: ELA Foundations

Course # 804

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as greater than three years below grade level in reading, oral expression, and/or written language skills. This course is taught by a special education teacher in a self-contained, small-group environment. Students practice and develop reading skills through guided and independent reading of age and developmentally-appropriate texts, short stories, and poems. Writing occurs almost daily through journaling, responding to prompts, and/or paragraph development. Using graphic organizers and visual templates, a more structured and systematic approach to writing is implemented which emphasizes the planning, drafting, formulating, revising and editing processes of writing. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet local graduation requirements. Special education teachers work with the ELA department coordinator to develop curriculum that closely aligns with English courses at each level.

Course Name: ELA Explorations

Course #: 807

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as one to three years below grade level in reading, oral expression, and/or written language skills. It is designed to continue the development of English language skills in the areas of reading, oral expression and writing. All materials used parallel the general education curriculum and meet the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This course is taught by a special education teacher, and may be supported by a speech/language pathologist and/or an educational assistant. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres and formats presented through on-level text. The reading emphasizes fluency (rate and accuracy), comprehension, understanding of literary terms, and improving vocabulary using active reading strategies, reading aloud, listening to books on tape and regular class discussion. Using graphic organizers and visual templates, a more structured and systematic approach to writing is implemented which emphasizes the planning, drafting, formulating, revising and editing processes of writing. Students have the opportunity to practice writing in response to literature in the form of journals, essays and creative writing assignments. Participation in the classroom discussion of the reading material is expected. Students are also required to read aloud, complete long-term projects related to the reading and verbally present their work to the class. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet local graduation requirements. Special education teachers work with the ELA department coordinator to develop curriculum that closely aligns with English courses at each level.

Mathematics:

Course Name: Math Emerging

Course # 811

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as requiring intensive support in fundamental numeracy skills. Taught by a special education teacher in a self-contained, small group environment, students receive direct instruction in functional math skills and monetary skills which can be applied and practiced in real-world situations. These include money, measurement, basic operations, and functional applications of math. Students use manipulatives and in-class guided assignments to gain an understanding of number sense, addition and subtraction, number lines (greater than/less than), fractions, currency identification and value, and monetary change-making. Students may participate in school and community opportunities to practice these skills outside of this course if deemed appropriate through the special education team process.

Course Name: Math Foundations

Course # 812

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as greater than three years below grade level in math reasoning, problem-solving, and/or other math skills. This course is taught by a special education teacher in a self-contained, small group environment. Students build upon and practice functional math skills and monetary skills, while also gaining exposure to introductory concepts in algebra, such as solving equations for one variable. Students are assessed through in-class assignments and assessments, as well as through hands-on activities and projects. Students may participate in school and community opportunities to practice these skills outside of this course if deemed appropriate through the special education team process. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet local graduation requirements. 

Course Name: Math Exploration

Course # 814

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who have been identified as one to three years below grade level in math reasoning, problem-solving, and/or other math skills. All materials that are used parallel general education math courses and meet the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Algebra topics include data representation, solving equations, measures of central tendency, probability, decimals, fractions, percents, ratio, and proportion. Geometry topics include area, perimeter, Pythagorean Theorem, midpoint and distance, and surface area and volume, in addition to others. As much as is possible, the class is functionally based and uses hands-on activities and models to teach concepts.  Students are given reference sheets, multiple examples, and the opportunity to practice new concepts and review previously learned concepts. Students are taught to analyze and break down word problems, determine the appropriate operations, complete their work one step at a time and show all parts of their work. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet local graduation requirements. 

Science and Technology:

Course Name: Explorations in Biology

Course # 800

Level: Unleveled

Grade: 9

Credits: 6

This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within CP Biology, while providing individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

Course Name: Foundations in Biology

Course # 822        

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

This course is designed as a small group, self-contained Biology option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment to the general education Biology curriculum. This course examines living things, theories, models, and nature through experimentation, examination, and observations leading to the understanding of the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on earth. In addition to teacher lead discussion, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.

Course Name: Explorations of Physics/Physics Foundations

Course # 825/824

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

Explorations Expectations:

This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within CP Physics while providing individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

Foundations Expectations:

This course is designed as a small group, self-contained Physics option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grids. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment to the general education Physics curriculum. In addition to teacher lead discussion, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.

Course Name: Explorations in Physical Science/Physical Science Foundations

Course # 842/823

Grade Level: 10-11

Credits: 6

Explorations Expectations:

This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within CP Physical Science while providing individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

Foundations Expectations:

This course is designed as a small group, self-contained Biology option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment with the general education Physical Science curriculum. This course examines matter, motion, balanced and unbalanced forces, energy resources, momentum, circuits, and waves. In addition to teacher lead discussion, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.

Course Name: Explorations of Engineering/Engineering and Design Foundations

Course #: 859/826

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

Explorations in Engineering:

This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within Engineering and the Design Process CP course, while it provides individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

Engineering and Design Foundations:

This course is designed as a small group, self-contained Engineering and Design option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment with the general education Engineering curriculum. This course examines the practical real-world connections; students have an opportunity to see how science, mathematics, and engineering are part of their everyday world, and why it is important for every citizen to be technologically and scientifically literate. In addition to teacher-led discussions, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.

Course Name: Foundations of Earth Science

Course # 828

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 6

Scientific literacy can be achieved as students inquire about geologic, meteorological, oceanographic, and astronomical phenomena. The curriculum is designed, based on student interest, hands-on laboratory and field experiences, as appropriate, for students to develop and use scientific skills in Earth and Space Science, including reading and interpreting maps, keys, and satellite, radar, and telescope imageries; using satellite and radar images and weather maps to illustrate weather forecasts; using seismic data to identify regions of seismic activity; and using data from various instruments that are used to study deep space and the solar system, as well as their inquiry skills. Students will maintain an interactive notebook and use substantial online resources throughout the course.

Social Studies: 

Course Name: Explorations in World History, World History Foundations

Course # 838, 831

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9, 9-12  

Credits: 6

Explorations in World History: This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within World History CP, while it provides individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP service delivery grid.

World History Foundations: This course is designed as a small group, self-contained World History option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment with the general education World History curriculum. This course examines the complex history and cultures of many regions of the world in order to provide students with a global perspective. In addition to teacher-led discussions, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.

Course Name: Explorations in US History 1, US History 1 Foundations

Course # 841, 832

Level: Unleveled

Credits: 6

Explorations in US History 1: This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within US History 1 CP, while it provides individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

US History 1 Foundations: This course is designed as a small group, self-contained US History 1 option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment with the general education US History 1 curriculum. This course examines the major themes and examines the formative events in American history, including the causes of the American Revolution, the development of the Constitution, and how federal, state, and local governments function under the Constitution. The course curriculum moves on to the early decades of the republic, ending with the Civil War. In addition to teacher lead discussion, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class.

Course Name: Explorations in US History 2, US History 2 Foundations

Course # 837, 833

Level: Unleveled

Grade Level: 9-12

Explorations in US History 2: This course is inclusive of the CP-level course. This course is designed to parallel the curriculum and syllabus taught within US History 2 CP, while it provides individualized pacing, accommodations, and modifications through specialized instructional methods. Enrollment in this course is determined by a student’s IEP.

US History 2 Foundations: This course is designed as a small group, self-contained US History option for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students are enrolled based on their IEP service delivery grid. The curriculum focus is taught in alignment with the general education US History 2 curriculum. This course examines the major themes in American history since the Civil War. Topics include Reconstruction, industrialization, the world wars, the 1920s, the Great Depression, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and other great social changes of the late twentieth century. In addition to teacher-led discussions, students will have opportunities to be assessed through hands-on activities and projects. The small class size allows for individualized support and the ability to modify the material and to pace the instruction according to the progress of the class and individual student needs.