Special Education FAQ

1. What opportunities are available to special education students in the new schedule that were not available in the current block schedule?

One of the many advantages of the new schedule is that students who receive support all year with 4 periods per 6 day cycle will now have the opportunity to take more electives than during the block schedule..

2. How will the support classes be offered in the new schedule?

**Decisions about student placement and the amount of support provided are always made by the IEP team and based upon providing a student with the least restrictive environment. The options may range from every day support to monitor only support.

3. Would there ever be a situation where a student would require more support than 1 credit per year?

In most situations 1 credit of support will provide students with the appropriate amount of time to meet their goals. However, additional support is available when the IEP data demonstrates the student needs additional support.

4. Will there be a quiet place for my child to eat during Lunch & Learn?

There are multiple locations where students may choose to eat if they are looking for a quiet place. There will be a designated quiet area in the library. Students may also choose to eat in the lower level of the cafeteria. We are in the process of identifying other quiet spaces for students.

5. How will Vo-tech work if a student has an IEP and he or she has 4 core subjects and therefore no time for scheduled support?

This is an IEP decision. If a student needs support he or she can enroll in either an e-school course or a course which would occur during his or her support period at GVHS.

6. How will a student be successful when having to focus on all subjects at once with less support?

The greatest number of classes that meet each day is 6. There are 2 drop days for each course which will allow students to manage the workload for the courses. If a student elects to enroll in a study hall, then his or her course load would be reduced. In addition, our Homework and Assessment Focus Group has developed the following guidelines to assist this area:
Homework shall be given due dates that correspond to the dates that your class is scheduled to meet. Students are welcome to submit assignments early if they choose.
Students will not be required to take more than two summative assessments in a given day. Students will be required to notify their teacher at least 24 hours in advance to make alternative arrangements.

7. What will happen now that some general studies level courses are not running next year?

8. How will direct instruction work?

Similar to our current practices, enrollment in direct instruction courses will be a decision made by the IEP team.

9. Will Multi-sensory math and reading still be available for students?

10. What will monitor only look like and when will it happen?

Monitor only students will meet with their support teachers during the Learn portion of the Lunch and Learn period (similar to the enhancement practice in the block schedule) or during a study hall.

11. Will a student receive credit for an Academic Methods or Instructional Strategies course?

These courses may be moving to a “Pass-Fail” grading framework. Their progress and performance will be evaluated using a grading rubric. Students will receive credit for successful completion of these courses, however, the grade will not be included in the student’s GPA.

12. How will students keep track of the letter day and rotation?

Based upon current practices, support will be provided to assist all students to be successful in following their schedule.