Special Education
The special education program at Hillsborough High School includes comprehensive educational services to meet the learning needs of every student regardless of the student’s level of ability or disability. This Special Education Program of Studies provides students and parents with a summary of all courses which are offered to our students with more significant disabilities who require exclusively individualized educational programs that significantly modify the general education curriculum offered at Hillsborough High School. These specialized courses provide more intensive intervention in comparison to in-class resource services and resource room courses, which addresses student needs while still following the general education curriculum. *Course selection is in conjunction with the students case manager.
RESOURCE CENTER
The Resource Center Program offers a variety of courses for educationally classified students attending classes in the mainstream of the high school. The placement of individual students in the Resource Center is based on a referral from the Child Study Team. All courses are developed in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and class curriculum.
Study Skills I
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This full-year course is designed to provide instruction in study skills and support in the areas of academic and personal management skills. Students will explore the strategies and accommodations present in their IEPs to further enhance self-advocacy. Strategies covered include studying, note-taking, test-taking, coping skills and problem-solving techniques. The course stresses the application of study skills / strategies to other academic courses.
Study Skills II
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: 1/2 Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This half-year course serves to support and reinforce study skills. Students are engaged in working with specific study skills, such as note-taking, organizational and executive functioning and other skills that they can apply directly to their school experiences.
Study Skills III
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: 1/2 Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This half-year course is designed to support the student in independently applying study skills. Strategies include test-taking skills, time management, and executive functioning skills.
Professional Speaking for Career Readiness
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: 1/2 Year
Grade Level: 9-Post-Grad
Prerequisite: Child Study Team Placement
This course provides Special Education students with an opportunity to receive direct instruction regarding work-based communication skills including effective communication skills for interviewing and working with others. Students will identify reasons for speaking and determine speaking tasks that require formal structure, how to organize ideas and deliver a message to an audience of one or more people that will support their success. Students will learn how to adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks while demonstrating command of the English language, communicating clearly and effectively and with reason.
English I
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
This course serves to provide students with basic writing, reference, and reading skills to aid in the development of functional literacy and cultural awareness. Students will be engaged in the acquisition and exercise of basic grammar, reading, and writing skills necessary for a solid understanding of literature. Writing components will include cause/effect, compare/contrast, and persuasion. Students will also acquire library and research skills. These skills will be applied by various means to encourage students to become more independent readers and writers. Special emphasis will also be placed on the skills needed for success on standardized assessments.
English II
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: English I
This course provides instruction on building and enhancing English language skills necessary for reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Selected novels, short stories, and plays provide the basis for reading instruction and increasing knowledge of vocabulary. Composition instruction and practice include all phases of the writing process. Additionally, emphasis will continue to be placed on the preparation for the standardized assessments .
English III
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: English II
This course provides students with vocabulary, reading, writing, and composition skills. The students are exposed to modern and classical literature, oral presentation skills, and all phases of the writing process. The topics examined by reading selections are related to themes of social conscience, peace advocacy and freedom. Students will also receive a comprehensive review for the standardized assessments.
English IV
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: English III
This course places emphasis on refining literacy skills and the writing process. The students will read short stories, plays and several novels and apply the basic literary analysis and interpretation to these readings. Major emphasis is placed on essay writing and the exploration of career opportunities.
Math Apps.
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: CST Recommendation
This course focuses on building math skills and functional competence. Students improve computational skills by applying them to real-life experiences and important everyday situations, such as paying taxes, managing a household, buying and maintaining a car, etc. Calculators and computer simulations are used to provide practice and lesson reinforcement.
Algebra I
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed to develop basic algebra skills for students in a small group setting. Students will receive instruction in the rules of arithmetic, systems of linear equations, applications of algebra, exponents and polynomials, factoring, fractions, irrational numbers, radical expression, quadratic equations, percent and problem-solving skills. Students enrolled in Algebra I must take the NJ Algebra I End-of-Course Assessment.
Geometry
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to develop basic geometry skills for students in a small group setting. Topics of study include lines, angles, planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, measurement, area, volume, perimeter, and circles. Attention is placed on the development of proofs, postulates and theorems in preparation for the Grade 11 HSPA.
Algebra II
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
This course is designed to expand students’ algebra knowledge with an emphasis on real world skill application. Students will review and receive instruction in simplifying linear equations and inequalities; solving and graphing quadratic equations; simplifying polynomials and rational expressions; working with powers, roots, radicals and fractional exponents; and solving rational equations with an emphasis on building mastery of new skills with frequent drill and practice.
Chemistry
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Environmental Science
This course establishes the basic fundamentals and functions of Chemistry and Physics through their everyday applications. Students will gain a basic understanding of chemistry and physics using a combination of theory, problem-solving, laboratory techniques, and project completion. Topics such as properties of matter, changes in matter, forms of energy, energy transfer and conservation and forces in motion, consumer chemistry, energy in society, and the interpretation of current scientific events are studied utilizing a variety of hands-on and practical tasks.
Biology
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Environmental Science
This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of biological science. Emphasis will be placed on the body systems, nutrition, plant life, health hazards and treatments. Information and skills are applied to everyday experiences through discussion, hands-on activities and regularly scheduled labs. Students enrolled in Biology must take the NJ Biology Competency Test.
Environmental Science
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to explore how the physical and biological worlds are related. Students will learn about pollution, population, land use, ecosystems, natural resources, energy, changing population and conservation. Instruction includes experiments, projects, and discussion of topics related to the environment in which we live.
Geophysical Science
Credits 5
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding about relationships between the structure, processes and resources on Earth and in relation to the solar system. Units of study include geology, meteorology, astronomy, as well as the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Students will have the opportunity to learn through lab investigations, cooperative groups, and inquiry.
World History I
Credits 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to survey all aspects of the culture, history, traditions, politics and geography of the world and its people. Emphasis is placed on map skills, locating and interpreting information to be able to make informed decisions as an individual in society. Through these activities students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the many contributions of societies throughout the world. Instruction of reading and writing skills is incorporated into the curriculum.
US History I
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
This full-year course is a survey of our nation’s history from the colonial period to the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on mastering basic social studies concepts and having students understand the basic responsibilities of the United States’ government and its citizens. Reading, writing, and communication skills instruction is also incorporated throughout the curriculum.
US History II
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: US History I
This course is a survey of United States History from the 1900’s to the present. Students explore the rise of the United States of America as a world power while learning geography, cultural literacy, and important events of the twentieth century. Instruction of reading and writing skills is incorporated into the curriculum.
OTHER SPECIAL EDUCATION OFFERINGS
Learning in a Functional Environment (LIFE)
Full Year, Students can enroll for 5.0 to 25.0 credits each year (1 to 5 periods) and can enroll in this course for every year they remain in high school.
The LIFE course is designed to meet the needs of learners who respond to data driven theories of Applied Behavioral Analysis and discrete trial instruction. The course is designed to focus on the individualized program of the student while still introducing the NJ Student Learning Standards where appropriate. The course functions on instruction in the domains of functional academic development, skills of daily living, prosocial behavior, social communication, and vocational behavior and skill.
Adaptive H & PE
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Child Study Team Placement
Every student enrolled at HHS must have a Health and PE course. If a student is unable to access general education H & PE for any reason, this adaptive course is designed to meet student needs. The course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school and enrollment is contingent upon case manager recommendation. If academically able, students may take regular education health even if they need adaptive PE to meet their physical needs.
Introduction to American Sign Language - Full Year, 5.0 credits
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Child Study Team Placement
The broad objective of this course is to provide students with a basic introduction to American Sign Language. Students of American Sign Language learn how to communicate spatially, rather than arranging words sequentially into sentences. Students engage in all three modes of communication— interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational by using the hands, face and body to express ideas. In addition, students learn different ways to navigate conversational interactions like turn-taking, attention-getting techniques, and the importance of maintaining eye contact. Students will study basic hand shapes, body movements and facial expressions to convey thoughts to other ASL-literate individuals. This course focuses on the development of basic vocabulary, structures, and patterns needed for appropriate concept communication through sign language. The linguistic introduction of American Sign Language, and the cultural awareness of the deaf community will be addressed on a daily basis. Interpretive websites, stories and short video clips that focus on the deaf community will be shared.
Spanish I
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This full year course is designed to provide beginning world language learners the basic tools necessary for interpersonal, interpretative and presentational modes of communication emphasized in national and state standards. Instruction is thematic in nature to reinforce use of Spanish for authentic communication of basic facts, needs and emotions. Culture is infused in each thematic unit in recognition of the fact that language and culture are inseparable. Grammar exercises are strengthened through daily drill and practice exercises that include reading, writing and listening skills.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES
Work Readiness
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course is designed to instruct students in pre-vocational and vocational skills within the school building. Students will be given the opportunity to develop vocational behaviors and vocational skills and to practice these skills within on-campus job settings. This course is usually taken multiple years in Grades 9, 10, & 11 and students may enroll based on case manager recommendation.
Community Work
Full Year, 15.0 credits (three periods in length daily)
This course is designed to allow students to participate in structured learning experiences in community job settings with the assistance of job coaches. The program provides an opportunity for job exploration and the continued development of independence in use of appropriate vocational behaviors and skills. This course is usually taken multiple years in Grades 12 & 12+ and students may enroll once recommended by the case manager and teachers.
Life Skills
Half Year, 2.5 credits
This course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school.
Life Skills is an elective course taught by a special education teacher. This course provides students with an opportunity in their day to work on individually driven issues that will impact them as they grow into young adults navigating community and personal life. Some topics discussed include safety in the home and community, emergency procedures, health and personal care, managing personal relationships, utilizing social media and technology in today's society, and budgeting and planning related to home and social activities. Each semester the course is adapted to the students enrolled and focuses on their greatest needs to increase independence and safety.
Departmental Electives
Students must meet state standards of taking 5 credits of Visual and/or Performing Art and 5 credits of Career Education, Consumer, Family & Life Skills or Vocational-Technical Education in order to meet NJ State graduation requirements.
The following electives are choice classes. Students are not guaranteed to get their first choice each year.
Art 1A
Half Year, 2.5 credits
This course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school.
Art 1 A is an opportunity for students to experience a range of mediums and techniques within the Fine Arts Department and is taught by a regular education teacher. The class focuses on a movie project throughout the entire semester. The project results in a red carpet premiere each June and is a favorite of our students. The movie provides opportunity to work on many skills, but some highlights are memorization of lines, cadence and tone of speech, following directions, and socially navigating the project’s collaborative nature. Art 1A also provides students the opportunity to complete an array of art projects. Students are exposed to a variety of techniques and are able to create inspiring pieces.
Independent Living A
Half Year, 2.5 credits
This course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school.
Independent Living provides the opportunity for students to participate in Family and Consumer Sciences studies and is taught by a regular education teacher. Students will work in the kitchen developing vocabulary, using kitchen tools, following recipes, learning safety procedures, and gaining independence in this environment. Students are also exposed to basic sewing and laundry skills when appropriate. While in this course students will have the opportunity to work on fine motor skills, following directions, observing safety warnings, navigating the social interactions of working in group situations and developing independent life skills.
Music Explorations
Half Year, 2.5 credits
This course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school.
Music Explorations is an opportunity for students to experience a variety of musical topics within the Performing Arts Department and is taught by a regular education teacher. Topics explored include musical notation, composers, instruments, and music in culture. Throughout the semester students make connections with other subject areas, such as language arts, math, and social studies through musical concepts.
Technology Skills
Half Year, 2.5 credits
This course can be taken each year that a student is enrolled in school.
Technology Skills is an opportunity for students to experience work through the process of design within the Applied Technology Department and is taught by a regular education teacher. This course provides students with an opportunity to participate in STEM challenges, holiday projects and art projects that are computer & technology based, refining computer literacy, using technological machines, and creating t-shirts. Projects are geared toward the level of the students enrolled each semester and consist of hands on activities. Most projects encourage students to choose their own topics, allowing them to channel choices towards their interests. Students will practice skills in analysis, problem solving, decision and choice making, and developing and executing a plan.
SELF-CONTAINED COURSES
Literacy
Functional Literacy 1
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12
The Functional Literacy 1 course is designed to meet the needs of LLD moderate self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards at the individual student’s appropriate functioning level. The course functions to replace English 1, 2, 3, or 4. It highly emphasizes literacy skills including word identification, literal reading comprehension, and communicating meaningful and accurate information in complete sentences.
Functional Literacy 2
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12
The Functional Literacy 2 course is designed to meet the needs of LLD mild self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards at the individual student’s appropriate functioning level. The course functions to replace English 1, 2, 3, or 4.
It highly emphasizes literacy skills including literal and inferential reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading fluency.
Functional Writing
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12
The Functional Writing course is designed to meet the needs of LLD mild self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards at the individual student’s appropriate functioning level.
It highly emphasizes writing skills including writing sentences of expanding length and complexity, writing comprehensive and developed paragraphs, writing multi paragraph pieces, and using both reason and text to support claims made in writing.
Post Graduate Reading
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 12 & beyond
The Post Graduate Reading course is designed to meet the needs of LLD mild/moderate self-contained students as they begin transition from typical 4-year high school education to transitional education available to them through age 21. This course can function to replace English 4 when appropriate. It highly emphasizes literacy skills needed to function independently during adult life. Topics include obtaining information from tables, graphs & charts; using technology and the internet to communicate & seek information, completing applications with personal identifying information, as well as continuing to increase reading comprehension and ability to produce meaningful written communications.
Mathematics
Practical Math 1
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12
The Practical Math 1 course is designed to meet the needs of LLD moderate self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards at the individual student’s appropriate functioning level. The course functions to replace Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. It highly emphasizes math competencies including knowledge of number concepts, skills needed to complete a variety of single-step calculations, use of technology to compensate for weaknesses in math calculation, ability to solve 1-step word problems related to real life, and expanding knowledge of functional topics of money, time, and measurement.
Practical Math 2
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12
The Practical Math 2 course is designed to meet the needs of LLD mild self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards at the individual student’s appropriate functioning level. The course functions to replace Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. It highly emphasizes math competencies including skills needed to complete multi-step calculations of rational numbers, apply math skills to real world situations, and work on pre-algebra skills when/if the student obtains this level of math skill.
Post Graduate Math
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course can be taken each year in Grades 12 & beyond
The Post Graduate Math course is designed to meet the needs of LLD mild/moderate self-contained students as they begin transition from typical 4-year high school education to transitional education available to them through age 21. This course highly emphasizes math skills needed to function independently during adult life. Topics include obtaining and interpreting numeric information from tables, graphs & charts; exploring consumer math skills needed to manage spending in the community, exploring budgeting and financial management, understanding measurement tools as used in real life situations, understanding time and management of elapsed time, and solving real world problems using numerical concepts.
Science
The Science Concepts courses are designed to meet the needs of LLD self-contained students as they access the Next Generation Science Standards. Where appropriate and meaningful for the students, Science Concepts I, II, and III address the standards from Earth and Space Sciences, Life Science, and Physical Science. Science Concepts provides learners with the knowledge and skills to investigate and build a scientific perspective of the world around them.
(The science courses are each taken one time and do not need to be taken in any specific sequence. Students usually take them in grades 9, 10, & 11.)
Science Concepts 1
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from Earth and Space Sciences standards. Class includes hands on activities and labs as well as basic science skills covering space systems, history of Earth, Earth's systems, weather and climate, and human sustainability.
Science Concepts 2
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from the Life Science standards. Class includes hands on activities and labs as well as basic science skills covering the structure and function of cells and systems, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, natural selection and evolution, and inheritance and variation of traits.
Science Concepts 3
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from the Physical Science standards. Class includes hands on activities and labs as well as basic science skills covering structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces and interactions, energy, and waves and electromagnetic radiation.
Social Studies
The Social Studies Concepts courses are designed to meet the needs of LLD self-contained students as they access the NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies. Where appropriate and meaningful for the students, Social Studies I, II, and III model the courses from which they are adapted, World History, US History I, and US History II. Social Studies Concepts provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to become active and informed citizens, and contributing members of local, state, national, and global communities in the digital age. Student learning is fulfilled through practical and functional learning utilizing a multi-sensory approach and methodology.
(The social studies concepts courses are taken one time and do not need to be taken in any specific sequence. Students usually take them in grades 9, 10, & 11.)
Social Studies Concepts 1
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from the World History concepts and curriculum.
Social Studies Concepts 2
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from the US History 1 concepts and curriculum.
Social Studies Concepts 3
Full Year, 5.0 credits
This course draws from the US History 2 concepts and curriculum.