Special Education
FAQs
What is Academic Literacy?
Academic Literacy is a special education course designed for students who require additional content area instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, and support navigating grade level texts.
What is Math Literacy?
Math Literacy is a special education course designed for students who require additional math instruction to achieve the standards addressed in integrated math 1 (2 or 3).
What does ISL look like?
Instructional Support Lab (ISL) participation is dictated by a student’s IEP team and is the primary place for direct instruction in IEP related goals. Students needs are targeted and progress monitored during their ISL time.
If my child has ISL, will they have room for an elective?
Each student’s schedule is unique. We build schedules with first priority going to courses required for graduation or as a function of the IEP. ISL alone does not prohibit “room” for an elective, however, having additional supports can impact whether space is available for other elective options.
Can my child participate in the NOW Program and have ISL?
NOW is a general education support extended to students who may need additional support in the areas of executive functioning and organization. While having an IEP does not prohibit a student from participating in NOW, the supports services provided through the NOW program will be tailored via Instructional Support Lab (ISL) to meet the needs of each student.
How can I learn more about Gifted Support?
Please scroll down to view our Gifted Support video for an overview and FAQs.
Will high school support mirror the middle school supports that were in place?
Yes! Your child’s middle school IEP team will recommend courses commensurate with their current courses and that are aligned to meeting students’ needs.
How do we make sure the receiving high school team understands the needs of my child?
Communication & Collaboration. The middle school and high school teams will meet to discuss each individual student’s transition to high school. This includes the IEP document and discussions around interests and passions held by each student. Our approach is designed to have a holistic understanding of who students are when they enter the building. Our 9th grade students are a part of teams, much like middle school, so they are known by a team of teachers, and are assigned to a dedicated case manager who will support them and partner with you throughout the year. You and your child are valuable members of the IEP team and as such, are available to speak with and meet with you as needed to ensure the transition to high school is as smooth as possible.
Gifted Support - FAQs
What is Academic Seminar?
AcSem is a mixed-grade-level class (9-12) for students who have been identified as gifted. More and more students are choosing to take AcSem throughout high school because they enjoy discussions and feel like they are part of a community. AcSem is a low-stakes class (pass/fail) where students are encouraged to take intellectual and interpersonal risks. We strive to create a stimulating, authentic, creative environment where students can get to know their own strengths and begin to work on areas of vulnerability with support from their peers and teachers.
What does class look like?
AcSem meets once per four-day cycle. We introduce thought-provoking issues for discussion, we teach life skills such as interviewing and networking, and we facilitate project-based learning.
If my child has Academic Seminar, will they have room for an elective?
AcSem is a hand-scheduled class. Students will not be prevented from taking an elective if they register for AcSem.
Will my child have room for Academic Seminar as a freshman, given that high school will bring a whole new level of rigor?
AcSem takes up 1/24 of a student’s schedule (one out of 24 possible class slots). For most students, the benefits far outweigh the cost of a single class slot.