ID Mod Program Syllabus – 2026-2027 School Year

Ms. Jo Tonnesen (Ms. T.)
  📧 Email: jtonnesen@greenville.k12.sc.us
📍 Room: 75 (Homeroom) and 90 (Life Skills Room)
📞 School Phone: 864-355-5776

Course Description

The ID Mod program at Greer High School provides individualized academic, functional, and life skills instruction tailored to students with intellectual disabilities. This program focuses on building independence, promoting academic growth, strengthening communication and social skills, and preparing students for transition into adult life, employment, and community participation.

Instructional Goals

• Develop functional academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
  
  

• Increase independence in daily living, vocational, and community skills.
  
  

• Foster social, emotional, and behavioral development.
  
  

• Prepare students for successful transition after high school.
  
  

• Promote self-advocacy, self-care, and decision-making abilities.
  
  

Classroom Expectations (The 4 B’s)

Be Respectful – to yourself, your classmates, and staff.
Be Responsible – complete your work and follow directions.
Be Safe – keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Be Ready – bring your best attitude and effort every day.

Progress Monitoring

Progress Reports will be sent home every 9 weeks

Communication with Families

Regular communication is key! I will provide:

• Emails or phone calls as needed
  
  

• Parent-teacher conferences
  
  

• Access to IEP meetings and team collaboration
  
  

Transition & Life Skills Focus

In collaboration with the Greenville County Transition Services, we will prepare students for:

• Work-based learning
  
  

• Community-based instruction (CBI)
  
  

• Functional life skills (laundry, shopping, cooking, etc.)
  
  

• Self-determination and self-advocacy
  
  

• Post-secondary planning
  
  

Daily Schedule

1st Block: 8:45–10:20 AM — Bell Ringer, Calendar, Academics, Electives Preparation

2nd Block: 10:25–11:50 AM — Electives

Lunch: 11:50 AM–12:30 PM

3rd Block: 12:30–2:15 PM — Meditation, Academics, Videos, Movement

4th Block: 2:15–3:15 PM — Activities, Dismissal Preparation, Gym/Movement

Classroom Expectations

Stay safe and follow adult directions.

Treat people, materials, and personal spaces with respect.

Use speech, signs, gestures, pictures, AAC, or another communication method to express needs.

Participate in classroom activities and ask for help when needed.

Practice independence and celebrate personal progress.

Communication Methods

Students may communicate through speech, signs, gestures, pictures, AAC devices, pointing, matching, sorting, drawing, and writing. All appropriate communication attempts are valued and supported.

Differentiation

Instruction is individualized and differentiated based on each student’s abilities, communication style, sensory needs, physical needs, and learning profile. All students access the core curriculum through multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression.

Field Trips and Special Activities

Students may participate in community-based instruction, job site visits, and campus activities. Permission slips and notices will be sent home in advance.

Let’s Have a Great Year!

I’m honored to work with your student this year! Our classroom is a place of safety, growth, and belonging. We will learn together, grow together, and celebrate every small victory—because in this room, progress over perfection is the goal.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or celebrations!