Special Education Course Descriptions
Instructional Program
Instructional Program
The following courses are offered by Instructional Special Education program. All courses are taught by certified Special Education teachers.
All courses are at taught the main building.
ZENGL1016 Reading Skills (Instructional) Graduation Credit
Students are able to take multiple years for credit.
This is not a college prepratory course.
This class utilizes the IPSD District 204 Alternate Curriculum, which parallels the district's general education English curriculum. The curriculum includes novel studies the revolve around four essential themes: Choices and Contributions, Overcoming Adversity, Multiple Perspectives, and Advocacy. While reading the novels, they are used as platforms for learning and practicing comprehension strategies, vocabulary, fluency practice (as needed), and written expression.
ZMATH2003 Consumer Budgeting Math
Can be taken at any point in 4 year plan, can be taken more than once.
This is not a college prepratory course.
Consumer math is a branch of math that uses basic math skills in real life situations like shopping, calculating taxes, estimating monthly budget, calculating interest rate for a loan, and time. Focused on spending, saving and other aspects of "money math" will prepare them to make better financial decisions and an independent life.
In this class, we focus on math deficits and utilize both MathIXL and STAR360 Math to progress monitor our math skills. We work on functional consumer based math related but not limited to; budgeting, banking, and community experiences.
ZMATH1001 Integrated Math
Students are able to take multiple years for credit.
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course focuses on the skills necessary to prepare students for pre-algebra as well as identify and mediate gaps in previous math concepts. This course will help to prepare students for pre-Algebra in Math Foundations.
Additional Math Courses; Co-Taught or General Education are listed on General Course Calatog. Click yellow bar below;
We offer a different science course each year to allow students access to 3 science credits before graduation.
2024-2025 Biology
2025-2026 Earth & Space Science
2026-2027 Physics
2027-2028 Chemistry
ZSCI1021 Particular Topics in Biology (Instructional)
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course will challenge students students to learn about the life around us. The chapters are as follows; Exploring Biology, Competition, Cells, Molecules, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis, & Cell Division.
ZSCI1022 Particular Topics in Earth & Space Science (Instructional)
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course will challenge students to sharpen their awareness of how the natural world functions and empowers students to function positively in the real world as a living human. This course forces the student to recognize their interdependence with many aspects of the Earth’s systems. Particular Topics in Earth Science will explore plate tectonics, landscaping forces, food production, water consumption, climate change and weather. Ultimately, students will connect their impact to each of these systems.
Special Education course that meets the science graduation requirements.
ZSCI2023 Particular Topics in Physics (Instructional)
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course will challenge students see our world as a study of matter, Motion & Forces, Wind & Energy, Heat, Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.
Special Education course that meets the science graduation requirements.
We offer a different social studies course each year to allow students access to 2 social studies credits before graduation.
Government and Consumer Economics are offered every other year to allow students access to these credits before graduation.
ZSOCS2010 Particular Topics in U.S. History (Instructional) (1.0)
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course will cover the story of the founding of the United States of America and the community, art, political culture, and violence that defines our society. This course may include African American History, Native American History, U.S. history and all other aspects of American history that have uniquely shaped and influenced the United States as it is today.
Special Education course that meets the social studies graduation requirements.
ZSOCS1020 Particular Topics in Geography (Instructional) (1.0)
This is not a college prepratory course.
Special Education course that meets the social studies graduation requirements.
SZSOCS1021 Particular Topics in U.S. Government (Instructional)
Graduation Requirement (0.5) This course meets Government requirement.
This is not a college prepratory course.
This course will help ensure that our students are informed citizens. The units are as follows;
The Branches of Government, Voting and Democracy, Federal, State, and Local Governments, Electing a U.S. President Doing Your Part as a U.S Citizen
ZBUS1020 Consumer Economics/Personal Finance (Instructional)
Graduation Requirement (0.5) This course meets Consumer Economics requirement.
This is not a college prepratory course.
Bank Account Math
Depositing, Withdrawing, Bank Accounts, Transaction Registers
Checkbook Math
Writing a check, Using an ATM, Making a purchase with a debit card, Recognizing written numerals
Credit Card Math
Comparing available funds to purchase, Calculating credit after payment, Making a purchase
Budget Math
Saving for the future, Maximizing savings, Budgeting grocery lists, Budgeting bills and savings
Bargain Math
Identifying prices, Identifying money needed for purchases, Using coupons, Finding bargains
ZSOCS1020 Particular Topics in Geography (US & Cultures) (1.0)
This is not a college prepratory course.
ZSOCS1006A Particular Topics in World History (1.0)
This is not a college prepratory course.
ZPE1000 *Peer Parnter PE (Adaptive) Semester 1
ZPE1002* Peer Parnter PE (Adaptive) Semester 2
Adapted Physical Education is a class that provides students in Special Education the opportunity to work with peers in a positive and supportive environment. Students in this class build strong relationships in and out of the classroom. During Adapted PE, our athletes will be active through a variety of sports and activities. This class is similar to a general education class, with the main difference being class size and, at times, the pacing of instruction and activities. This class is a supportive learning environment for students with intellectual disabilities or physical disabilities. Students of all skill levels have the opportunity to work and compete together while also building respect that benefits all students in our school community. Students are placed in Adapted PE for any of the following reasons:
Intellectual Disability
Physical Disability
Vision or Hearing Impairment
Positive Peer Support
Social Skills
DRVR2000 Drivers Education
Please reach out to case manager to discuss this course before signing up your student.
The State of Illinois requires two phases of instruction to obtain a driver’s license. Additionally, the State requires that a student pass a minimum of 8 classes in the two preceding semesters (including middle school) to take Driver Education. Driver Education is open to all eligible students that reside within the district between the ages of 15-21 who request the course. Students are scheduled by birthdate priority. A student is not guaranteed driving during the semester he or she takes the classroom phase of Drivers Education. Any student participating in the behind-the-wheel phase will need to provide the instructor with two checks: one payable to the Secretary of State for the driving permit, the second payable to School District 204 to help defray the expense of the driving phase, an optional service our district provides.
Classroom Phase The State of Illinois requires at least 30 hours of instruction if the student desires to obtain his/her driver’s license before 18 years of age. Classroom instruction must be taken prior to or at the same time as the behind-the-wheel phase.
Behind-the-Wheel Phase . The State of Illinois requires this phase if students desire their license before they reach 18 years of age. At least six hours driving instruction and six hours of observation time is required. Course has a required fee.
Students able to apply for a driving evaluation
ZMISC1012 *Social Skills
This is a special education course that will allow us to dive into inter and intra personal relationship building, social conventions, & self-management.
ZPE2000 *Healthy Living
Graduation Requirement (0.5) This course meets the Health requirement.
This is not a college prepratory course.
This is a special education course that meets the graduation requirements of health. The objective is to increase health knowledge, create positive attitudes toward well-being & promote healthy behavior.
ZBUS1024B Vocational Skills
*RECOMMENDED FOR ALL FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORES*
Designed to teach basic work skills, completion of job interest inventories, and basic overview of types of jobs. This serves as an entry course to Jr/Sr Work Experience.
The core focus of the course is as follows:
Communication Skills:
Students focused on enhancing their verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and professional etiquette. They practiced strategies for effective interpersonal interactions, including conflict resolution, teamwork, and following workplace instructions.
Soft Skills Development:
Emphasis was placed on essential employability traits such as punctuality, adaptability, collaboration, and maintaining a positive attitude. Students demonstrated growth in their ability to work collaboratively, manage time effectively, and respond constructively to feedback.
Hard Skills Training:
Practical skills relevant to workplace environments were taught, including organizing tasks, operating basic equipment, and understanding workplace safety protocols.
School-Based Job Opportunities:
Students gained hands-on experience by participating in jobs around the school, such as assisting in the library, maintaining cleanliness in common areas, and organizing supplies. These opportunities allowed them to practice their skills in a structured and supportive environment.
ZBUS3011 Work Experience (2 periods) (Jr/Sr Only)
*RECOMMENDED FOR ALL JUNIORS AND SENIORS*
Designed to prepare students for entry level employment, this course provides students the community experience needed to develop employability skills by interning and job shadowing at work training sites in the community 4 days a week. Business partnerships include grocery stores, animal care sites, warehouses, childcare sites, custodial sites, restaurants, nursing homes, garden centers and retail stores. Students are exposed to a variety of career areas to help them define their job preferences and interests. Students practice soft skills in community work settings, and develop a digital portfolio in the classroom to learn and practice job seeking skills such as job applications, resumes and job interviews.
Additional Electives