The age-old question… “why do I have to take this course?” One reason students are not successful in their studies is that they do not understand the relevance or importance of their studies. In essence, they cannot envision their future being dependent on the commitment level to their studies. This is true of all students.
In creating their "Course of Study (a lineal plan of coursework and experiences to reach postsecondary goals)", students create an academic plan and review it annually to ensure it reflects their dreams and current commitment level. Whether it is to graduate, gain employment, join the military, or gain admission into a specific college, students who are more engaged in course selection are more likely to understand its relevance in adding value to their education.
Simplifying the Course of Study for Students with Disabilities.
Simplifying the Course of Study for Students with Disabilities.
What is a Course of Study?
What is a Course of Study?
A course of study is a linear outline of all the courses a student will take during high school. It should include:
Core academic courses required for graduation.
Electives or career-related courses that align with the student’s postsecondary goals.
Activities, Sports, and Clubs related to PSG that are open to ALL students
The course of study must reflect the student’s graduation pathway:
Standard Diploma: Follows traditional graduation requirements with specified credit totals in core and elective areas.
Advanced Studies Diploma: Includes more rigorous academic requirements, typically for college-bound students.
Applied Studies Diploma: Designed for students with significant disabilities who demonstrate progress by completing annual IEP goals.
Steps in Creating a "Course of Study" for the Transition IEP
Steps in Creating a "Course of Study" for the Transition IEP
1️⃣ Review the Student’s Postsecondary Goals:
What are their goals for employment, education, training, and independent living after high school?
2️⃣ Collaborate with the Counseling Department
Ensure ACP Aligns with Graduation Requirements and Measurable Postsecondary Goals
For Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas, include all courses needed to meet credit requirements.
For Applied Studies Diplomas, reference the Applied Studies Curriculum for recommended focus areas.
Explore courses that match the student’s strengths, interests, and career goals, such as CTE, Art, Music, ROTC, and PE courses, work-based learning opportunities, and internships.
3️⃣ Write 1-3 sentences in how the students Course of Study supports the MPG and note the ACP is uploaded and attached to the consented IEP.
4️⃣ Upload ACP to consented IEP as an attachment.
No ACP-Sample Course of Study: VSOL/Applied Studies Diploma Track
No ACP-Sample Course of Study: VSOL/Applied Studies Diploma Track
1️⃣ For a student on an Applied Studies Course of Study, start by using this template....
Functional Academic: Math, English/Language, Arts, Listening and Speaking Skills
Domestic Domain: Grooming/Hygiene, Personal Safety, Life Skills
Community Domain: Social Behavior, Community Resources, Recreation and Leisure, Communication Skills
Vocational/Employment Domain: Career Exploration, Work-Related Training, Future Living, and Employment.
2️⃣ Then identify the class structure, inclusive classes, and activities based on that individual student that supports the PSG being reviewed.
Quicklinks: Supports for the Applied Studies Track Course of Study:
VDOE Website for Applied Studies Diploma Track
VDOE Applied Studies Curriculum Map (plus it offers great activities!)
🚨 Special Considerations for the Applied Studies Diploma
🚨 Special Considerations for the Applied Studies Diploma
The Applied Studies Diploma is unique because it does not have specific course credit requirements. Instead:
Students are required to meet the annual goals outlined in their IEP.
The Applied Studies Curriculum developed by VDOE provides recommendations for instructional areas, including:
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Focused on career readiness.
Independent Living Skills: Preparing students for daily life.
Community Engagement: Developing social and workplace skills.
Sample Course of Study: Standard/Advanced Diploma Track
Sample Course of Study: Standard/Advanced Diploma Track
Each "Course of Study" presented in the Transition IEP can be duplicated and include information for all of the PSGs, or it may be customized for each PSG. If customized, the standard course of study required for graduation should be consistent for all "Course of Study" descriptions. However, each one will offer the specialty classes, clubs, and activities recommended for the student to be engaged in based on the individual PSG.
Postsecondary Goal: .. will be a certified nurse assistant.
Course of Study:
9th Grade: English 9, Algebra I, Environmental Science, World History I, H/PE 9, Career Exploration Elective- Success 101, ____________.
10th Grade: English 10, Geometry, Earth Science, World History II, H/PE 10 Driver's Ed, Academy Pathway Elective by name-INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES (8302), ___________.
11th Grade: English 11, Algebra II (might be AFDA), Biology, VA US History, Economics, Personal Finance, Academy Pathway Elective by name-MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (8383), _________________.
12th Grade: English 12, Pre-Calculus (Algebra II or AFDA), Chemistry, Government, Academy Pathway Elective by name-PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (8379), _______________.
Suggested Clubs- Student Organization HOSA- Health Occupation Student Organization- Sponsor: Ms. May
**If the student is on an Advance Diploma track: adjust "Course of Study" to match the guidelines set by VDOE.
***Level of class (Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment), specialty classes available in each school, and Foreign Language classes can also be considered.
By framing the course of study as a collaborative, goal-driven roadmap, students can see relevance and rigor leading to successful postsecondary outcomes.
🚨 Alert, All of this information should already bevdone for you!
Look in your Clever Portal for the Xello App or see the counselor on file and ask for the Academic Career Plan. This plan can be uploaded as an external document and added to the finalized IEP. If this is uploaded properly, you can write, " See Academic Career Plan Attached," in addition to any special information that satisfies each goal. No career academic plan is necessary. For more information, see your program advisor or Counseling Coordinator.
The Course of Study is a map for the IEP team to follow to ensure the student is able to take advantage of the courses and activities afforded to all students.
Diploma Requirements for HCS can be found in the HCS High School Course Offering Guide!
Electives and Academy Pathways Courses : Click on the AOH link and identify the student’s academy and then pathway. The continuum of courses offered are located under the pathway sequences. Additional suggested courses are also listed. All of the information below can be found on the academy pathway page for each academy and pathway.
Example: BHS: GHSA: Diagnostics Pathway:
10th: INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES (8302)
11th: MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (8383)
12th: PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (8379)
Suggested Courses include:
Medical Specialty
Certifications possible:
AHA CPR with AED
AHA First Aid
National Clinical Medical Assistant (MA)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Small Animal Science and Technology NOCTI (NHREC)
Dental NOCTI (NHREC)
A Note on the Academies of Hampton
Please find the Rising 9th Grade Supporting Document for Course of Study here that is shared with Middle School Counselors
The AoH is aligned with Career Clusters/Pathways/ Careers as the core determinant in identifying the "Course of Study" for all students.
Career Clusters help students investigate careers and design their courses of study to advance their career goals. For this reason, Virginia has adopted the nationally accepted structure of career clusters, career pathways, and sample career specialties or occupations. A Career Cluster is a grouping of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities. Sixteen career clusters provide an organizing tool for schools, small learning communities, academies, and magnet schools. Within each career cluster, multiple career pathways represent a common set of skills and knowledge, both academic and technical, necessary to pursue a full range of career opportunities within that pathway – ranging from entry-level to management, including technical and professional career specialties. Based on the skill sets taught, electives are aligned with one or more career clusters and career pathways.
My Next Move Support for Career Clusters
How is the Course of Study Similar to the ACP?
How is the Course of Study Similar to the ACP?
The Academic and Career Plan (ACP) developed by the counseling department shares many similarities with the "Course of Study".
Both:
Align with the student’s long-term career and education goals.
Outline a sequence of courses to achieve those goals.
Include electives and specialized programs to match the student’s interests and strengths.
Is outlined in Clever through the Xello App.
Additional Support for Course of Study and Hampton City Schools Processes:
Applied Studies-Handout to share with Parents
Dual Enrollment (Earn college credit while still in high school)
High-Quality Work Based Learning (real-life work experiences, paid or unpaid, that can be applied to academic and technical skills to develop employability skills)
Start on Success (SOS-Pre-ETs: BHS Only)
Education for Employment (All HS)
NHREC:
Governor’s School for Science and Technology- Applications due in the 10th grade for 11th and 12th-grade classes.
Center for Autism-K12 education centered on best practices for students with Autism. Referral from Public School Required.
Career and Technical Education- Applications are due in the 10th grade for 11th and 12th-grade classes- Vocational classes to complement academic classes in academy school.
Newport Academy- K12 education for students with ED based on best practices. Referrals through school divisions only.
Center for Apprenticeship and Adult Training- 18+ vocational training for ALL students.
Youth Workforce Center-Comprehensive vocational programs that add additional support such as out-of-school youth classes to remove barriers to employment, GED training, and paid work experiences. Works alongside the CAAT at NHREC. The program works with SWD, Foster, Justice Connected, low-income, etc. to remove barriers to employment and offer an opportunity for all students to be successful.
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