SPECIAL EDUCATION
special education Courses
The Special Education Department provides a full continuum of instructional options for students with disabilities who have been determined eligible for Special Education services. Replacement resource programs offer small-group instruction to students with disabilities. Placement in a replacement resource program shall be indicated in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). In a replacement resource program, the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and instructional strategies may be modified based on the individualized needs of each student as specified in a student’s IEP. Course options include resource instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Language, Reading, Criminal Justice, Business, Personal Finance and Transition.
In addition, in-class resource instruction is provided in the content areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and World Language. The In-Class Resource model is a collaborative teaching program where the special education teacher and content area teacher work together in a collaborative effort to provide support to special education students placed in mainstream classes. All students are expected to meet regular education curricular requirements with modifications to the instructional strategies and/or testing. When an in-class resource program is provided, it shall be specified in the student’s IEP.
Courses marked with a 🌐 satisfy the 21st Century Life & Career requirement.
FALCON LIFE PROGRAM
The Falcon Life Program is a highly individualized special education program with a focus on academics and the development of functional and independent living skills. Areas of study include Vocational Exploration, Functional Academics in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, Life Skills, and Peer Model Physical Education and Electives. The Falcon Life program also incorporates Community Based Instruction and functional skill development opportunities within the school building and community. Students are placed in this program by IEP recommendation.
MONROE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS (M.A.P.S.)
The Monroe Achievement Program for Students (M.A.P.S.) is an individualized special education program designed to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of students in grades 9 through 12. M.A.P.S. offers academic courses within a replacement resource setting, aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The program includes ongoing group and individual counseling, complemented by a comprehensive positive rewards system. Students are placed in this individualized program by IEP recommendation.
MULTIPLE DISABILITIES (MD) PROGRAM
The Multiple Disabilities (MD) program is a highly individualized special education program for students with multiple disabilities. Emphasizing individual needs, the program focuses on the development of functional academic skills in alignment with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Additionally, it emphasizes the cultivation of social, functional life and independent living skills.
Incorporating Community Based Instruction and functional skill development, the MD Program offers opportunities within both the school building and the community. Students are placed in this program by IEP recommendation, ensuring that students receive the specialized support necessary for their unique learning needs.
TRANSITION ADULT PROGRAM (T.A.P.)
The Transition Adult Program (T.A.P.), prepares young adults, ages 18-21 with disabilities to become productive and contributing members in the community. The students’ curriculum is infused with functional academics, career-oriented and vocational skills, and independent living skill development. T.A.P. incorporates Community Based Instruction and Work-Based Learning within the district and local community. Through established partnerships, students in this program are provided with real life individualized experiences which allow them to gain essential training aligned with the 21st century workplace. The program offers individualized opportunities for students to participate in career exploration and to develop social, daily living, and job readiness skills. Students are placed in this individualized program by IEP recommendation.
FUNCTIONAL LANGUAGE ARTS
CREDITS: 5
Functional Language Arts is to develop skills aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Language Arts while emphasizing literacy application and generalization of functional skills which can be applied to real-life situations. The course uses a balanced approach to academic and functional literacy instruction to support students in developing skills in the following areas: vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, main idea, literal and inferential recall knowledge, analysis, application, figurative language, writing, and research. Skills are taught using grade-appropriate literature and informational texts, with the goal of increased academic outcomes for students and preparing students to leave high school ready for postsecondary outcomes. The course is a multi-year curriculum, aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards , and based on individual student goals. This course uses multiple supports to meet the needs of students’ unique range of learning styles and abilities including multileveled learning objectives and supports for various communication modes.
FUNCTIONAL MATHEMATICS
CREDITS: 5
Functional Mathematics is to build upon mathematical skills grounded in New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Mathematics while emphasizing a functional, real-life approach. Utilizing a literacy-based approach to mathematics, students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will engage in daily mathematics focusing on Geometry, Algebra, Data Analysis, and Measurement including functional math concepts like spending money, telling time, keeping a calendar, following maps, reading graphs, understanding paychecks, and budgeting. The goal of Functional Mathematics is to provide a program which will result in increased academic outcomes for students and prepare them to leave high school ready for post-secondary outcomes. The course is a multi-year curriculum, aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards s, and based on individual student goals. This course uses a variety of supports to meet the needs of students’ unique range of learning styles and abilities.
FUNCTIONAL SCIENCE
CREDITS: 5
Functional Science is a course with the purpose of introducing students to areas of Physical Science, Biology, Environmental Science, and Chemistry by utilizing hands-on instruction and real-world applications of science related skills. Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as working in a greenhouse, conducting experimental research, and tracking the weather. The course is a multi-year curriculum, aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards , and based on individual student goals.
FUNCTIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES and WORLD CULTURES
CREDITS: 5
This course is designed to develop students’ functional and academic skills in the areas of World Geography, American History, American Government, Modern World History, and Contemporary World Issues. Functional Social Studies and World Cultures purpose provides students with real-world applications of social studies skills. The course is a multi-year curriculum, aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards , and based on individual student goals.
RESOURCE OFFERINGS
LANGUAGE ARTS
LANGUAGE ARTS 9
CREDITS: 5
This course emphasizes skill-based instruction in reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking. Students will have the opportunity to showcase mastery of these skills in a variety of formats. Various types of writing tasks will be reviewed and practiced with students through structured lessons that are related to various works and genres of literature. Completion of a research paper is a requirement of this course. This course fulfills the first year of the Language Arts requirement for graduation.
LANGUAGE ARTS 10
CREDITS: 5
At the tenth-grade level, emphasis is on development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in relation to American literature. Students are expected to read a variety of American authors, analyze the content, and discuss the selections in class. Students are required to produce a research project related to the content area. Specific critical thinking skills, ability to address open-ended questions, and crafting of different writing tasks are addressed in this course. This course fulfills the second year of the Language Arts requirement for graduation.
LANGUAGE ARTS 11
CREDITS: 5
This course is designed to expose students to British and World literature.Language skills are developed in conjunction with the literature, including critical analysis, essay writing, oral presentation, and group discussion. There is a required research project, related to areas of classroom study. This course fulfills the third year of the Language Arts requirement for graduation.
LANGUAGE ARTS 12
CREDITS: 5
Students in this course will be exposed to more recent works of fiction and nonfiction. Students will respond to the pieces through persuasive, reflective, and expressive writing. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the students’ understanding of themselves, their avenues to self-discovery, and the influence of popular culture on literature, society, and their own lives. This course fulfills the fourth year of the Language Arts requirement for graduation.
MATHEMATICS
MATH / DYNAMICS of ALGEBRA I
CREDITS: 5
This course is designed for students who need to learn abstract algebraic concepts through concrete experiences employing an interactive workplace-centered approach. Individualized instruction, group work, activities, and projects are integral parts of this course. Connections to the workplace are accomplished through problem solving exercises. Topics explored in this course are: basic concepts of algebra; integers; equations; inequalities; absolute value; factoring; rational expressions; solving and graphing linear equations and systems of equations; real numbers and square roots; functions and relations, as well as heavy emphasis on a solid foundation in basic math. This course fulfills the first year of the Math requirement toward high school graduation.
MATH / DYNAMICS of GEOMETRY
CREDITS: 5
This course is designed for students to learn geometric concepts through concrete experiences and follows Math / Dynamics of Algebra I in the instructional sequence. Group and individual activities and projects are important components to this course. Connections to the workplace are accomplished through problem solving exercises. Technology and hands-on experiences are employed to motivate students to a successful conclusion of the sequence. Topics included are: points; lines; planes; segments; angles; parallel and perpendicular lines; congruent and similar triangles; polygons; proportions; right triangles; circles; perimeter; area; volume; as well as basic mathematics operations. This course fulfills the second year of the Math requirement toward high school graduation.
MATH / DYNAMICS of ALGEBRA II
CREDITS: 5
This course is designed for students to continue to learn abstract algebraic concepts and follows Math / Dynamics of Geometry in the instructional sequence. Individualized instruction, group work and projects are integral parts of this course. Connections to the workplace are accomplished through problem solving exercises. Some topics explored include: integers, equations, operations with polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, rational expressions, irrational numbers, complex numbers, coordinate geometry, direct and inverse variation, conic sections, systems of equations, as well as basic math operations. This course fulfills the third year of the Math requirement toward high school graduation.
MATH for REAL LIFE
CREDITS: 5
This course emphasizes fundamental Math skills associated with the workplace and society. Day-to-day math living skills, banking, income tax preparation and investing for the future are explored.
MATH IV/COMPUTERS in BUSINESS
CREDITS: 5
Fundamentals and practice in using word processing, database, and spreadsheet software are the focus of this course. In today’s modern business world, computer skills and tools are vital to students for business, education, and personal use. Materials in this course provide hands-on practice with the latest equipment and software. This course can fulfill the fourth year of the Math requirement toward graduation.
SCIENCE
SCIENCE: BIOLOGY
CREDITS: 5
This course will cover topics in Biology and Ecology using a hands-on, small group approach. A major focus of the course is the interrelated systems on our planet, both living and nonliving. Principles of observation, scientific method, and critical thinking are emphasized in this course, via demonstration, experimentation, class discussion, and group projects. This course fulfills the first year of the Science requirement toward high school graduation.
SCIENCE: CHEMISTRY
CREDITS: 5
In this course, the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes is the primary area of study. Practical examples, demonstrations, and labs will be employed to illustrate these concepts in a hands-on, small group setting. This course fulfills the second year of the Science requirement toward high school graduation.
SCIENCE: PHYSICS
CREDITS: 5
Physics exposes the students to interactions between matter and energy. In this hands-on, small group approach topics include electricity, magnetism, forces, mechanics, and motion. Experimentation, demonstration, and construction are methods employed to engage the students and lead them to an understanding of the concepts. This course fulfills the third year of the Science requirement toward graduation.
INTRODUCTION to FORENSICS 🌐
CREDITS: 5
Students will get the opportunity to explore the application of science to the criminal justice system. As part of the hands-on experience, students will be part of a team-based problem solving program where they will collect, preserve, and analyze evidence. Topics will include crime scenes and preserving evidence, types of evidence, toxicology, and arson.
SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD HISTORY
CREDITS: 5
Students will gain a perspective of our present world through study of the past in this course that highlights human development from a historical perspective. The course highlights various significant civilizations and cultures and takes students into the present time allowing them to connect to contemporary global issues. Issues addressed throughout the course of the year include human rights, violence in society, global conflict, the arts, and world religions. This course fulfills the first year of the Social Studies requirement for high school graduation.
UNITED STATES HISTORY I
CREDITS: 5
The focus of this history course is the development of the US from its infancy through the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on student understanding of the development of our government, protection of our individual rights, reforms that have improved our way of life, and various other cultural and social issues. Projects, activities, and readings examine current events and global issues with their historical perspectives. This course fulfills the second year of the Social Studies requirement for high school graduation.
UNITED STATES HISTORY II
CREDITS: 5
This history course focuses on recent American history in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Besides the global conflicts during this time period, the course looks at technological advancements, social change, political change, economic change, and the struggle within our country for all citizens to achieve equality. Students will take current events and media events and analyze them in the context of our society and their own lives. This course fulfills the third year of the Social Studies requirement for high school graduation.
WORLD LANGUAGE
INTRO TO SPANISH
CREDITS: 5
Introduction to Spanish focuses on Spanish culture rather than language acquisition. Early language skill acquisition will be addressed, however the primary focus would involve learning about the history, geography, customs, and culture. This class would supply the students with a depth of background knowledge that will help support them in their future. It would bestow upon them a class in which they can learn about another culture without the obstacle of language.
SPANISH I
CREDITS: 5
This course offers the student an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. The focus is on basic vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and conversational speech. Students will be able to communicate on the most basic level, reproducing various life situations through dialogue in the small group setting. Students will be expected to listen, speak, read, and write in basic Spanish. There is a heavy cultural component to this course.
SPANISH II
CREDITS: 5
This course builds upon the framework established in the Spanish I class. It will provide the students with more in-depth study of the culture, as well as more practice in the language. Students will communicate on a basic level (both oral and written) and master additional vocabulary and grammar concepts.
RESOURCE ELECTIVES
READING
CREDITS: 5
Grades 9 - 12
This course is designed for students who have been identified as needing more intensive work in the area of reading skills. Through small group instruction students will strengthen areas of weakness and increase their standardized test proficiency as well. Students’ reading and writing levels will be assessed and monitored throughout the year and students will progress through the program as they master each level of performance.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE 🌐
CREDITS: 5
Grades 10 - 12This full year course is designed to acquaint students with the American legal system and the ways that this system affects their daily lives. This course will develop the students’ basic knowledge og legal terms, the responsibilities and roles of the court officials. the requirements and use of contracts, the laws concerning liability and torts, individual property rights and responsibilities, and a survey of the criminal code. It will also include a segment on law, the studentm and juvinile justice. Members of the state and local police agencies and attorneys may serve as guest lecturers. Possible field trips to view the criminal justice system in action are planned.
TRANSITION / SLE OFFERINGS
TRANSITIONING TO POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS
CREDITS: 5
Full Year
Grades 11-12
Transitioning to Post-Secondary Options is designed to prepare students for work, an apprenticeship program, college, or another post-secondary education program they might pursue after high school. Students will receive instruction related to self-management skills, self-advocacy, decision-making skills, social skills, health and safety, employability skills, and money management skills.
STRUCTURED LEARNING EXPERIENCES
CREDITS: 10
Full Year
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Transition to Post-Secondary Options
Offers students in their senior year several opportunities to gain work experience directly related to their interests, strengths, and career goals. A Structured Learning experience (SLE) provides real world work experience that students can incorporate into their transition portfolio/resume for college or employment. Credit will be given based on successful completion of the SLE placement. Part two may also include individual guidance related to a student’s transition plan.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
CREDITS: 5
Prerequisite: None
Grades 9-12
In this course, students learn to make satisfying, independent, and productive life choices. Students participate in activities related to self-awareness, decision making, career and financial planning, consumerism, housing, food preparation, wardrobe developments, clothing repairs, and a simple project. Relationships and communication will be covered as well as a brief overview of child development.
NUTRITIONAL ISSUES
CREDITS: 5
Prerequisite: None
Grades 9-12
This course is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle in students by encouraging and exploring the nutrient rich food. Schools play an important role in helping students establish healthy eating behaviors, by providing nutritious, and appealing foods and beverages, consistent and accurate messages about good nutrition, & ways to learn about and practice healthy eating. Nutritional issues was designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy food and beverage choices.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSUMER SCIENCE 🌐
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9-12
Family and Consumer Sciences at the Monroe Township High School prepares students towards becoming independent, productive citizens in 21st-century society. It is the focus of Family and Consumer Science courses to provide all students with the foundational skills to enhance their ability to act responsibly, productively, work cooperatively, apply concepts of balancing school and family, create solutions to critical and emergent issues, utilize technology effectively in personal and family settings, and maintain healthy lifestyles. Family and Consumer Sciences provide the bridges needed by all students to deal with life issues; while founding all lessons and applications on Career Ready Practices and Social and Emotional Health.
SKILL BUILDING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in MAPS Program
Grades: 9-12
Aligned with the 21st Century Life and Career Skills, this course aims to enhance core skills including organization, time and task management, goal setting, and communication. While striving toward the goal of becoming more independent learners, students will learn to access and process information more efficiently and develop higher level thinking skills. Students will work with the teacher to monitor their performance in all of their classes and to address areas of need as they may arise. The course will allow students to achieve their potential by providing opportunities for supervised completion of their assignments from their other classes, assistance with skill development, emotional and behavioral support, and motivational activities to inspire commitment. Students in this course can also identify and explore their future academic and career interests.
SOCIAL SKILLS
CREDITS: 2.5
Half Year
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9-12
This course is designed for students who have been identified as needing improvement in identifying and developing strategies in the social skills area. This course will help students in developing and improving verbal and nonverbal communication, initiating and maintaining relationships, conflict resolution, practical applications to problem solving, recognizing and managing stress, self awareness, and self advocacy. Through modeling and small group instruction, the instruction will focus upon the students internalizing and utilizing these skills. This course will be offered to complement the Civics course.
CIVICS
CREDITS: 2.5
Half Year
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9-12
This course will promote civic awareness and responsibility by providing students with instruction on the principles of democracy in the United States. Students will explore their participation on the local, state and federal levels as citizens of a constitutional democracy. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills, problem-solving activities, and cooperative learning exercises. This course will be offered to complement the Social Skills course.
PERSONAL FINANCE /ECONOMICS
CREDITS: 5
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9-12
This course is designed to educate students on the foundational concepts of economics as it relates to them as citizens of the United States and the World. The course will relate current events topics to traditional economic fundamentals. Areas of study will include microeconomic principles, economic systems, the role of businesses, the role of government, organized labor and the economy, the federal budget, global economics, and future economic challenges. Topics covered will enable students to become financially responsible members of society. This course will offer instruction on topics including but not limited to: financial planning, money management, consumer behavior and protection, banking and savings strategy, credit and debt management, the finances of independent living, risk management, insurance, and investing.
ART FUNDAMENTALS
GRADES: 9-12
CREDITS: 5
Full Year
Prerequisite: None
This course is for all types of artists, new or experienced. Lessons are designed to focus on the application of the Fundamentals of Visual Art: drawing, painting, sculpture and digital design, as well as discover 21st century creative careers. Students will be presented with creative challenges in the form of unit-oriented projects in order to enhance their content knowledge, creativity, and artistic ability.
EXPLORATION OF MUSIC
GRADES: 9-12
GRADES: 9-12
CREDITS: 5
Full Year
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed around the Elements of Music - rhythm, pitch, form, dynamics, tempo, timbre. Students will have the opportunity to perform, both through classroom exercises and formal concerts, using their voices as well as various percussive and pitched instruments. In addition to reading and performing music, students will learn how to analyze, discuss, and compose as well. The Exploration of Music Curriculum is centered around the learning goals provided in the NJ: 2020 SLS Visual/Performing Arts Standards and the NCCAS Music Standards.
ENGINEERING ESSENTIALS (PLTW-EE) 🌐
Prerequisites: None
Grades: 11-12
Engineering Essentials is a Project Lead the Way certified course. In Engineering Essentials students develop conceptual and theoretical understanding of the far-reaching and diverse applications of engineering. The course provides a broad exposure of all engineering fields and careers. Students develop and apply skills of teamwork, communication, problem solving, and professionalism. After students complete the course, they will be able to market their skills not only in applying to colleges of their choice, but also market those skills in a growing, very competitive, global economy. The curriculum will have both horizontal and vertical articulation, matching the students needs and growing skills throughout their coursework. This course will also be designed as a complement to the current and evolving Industrial Arts program, focusing on creative, "hands-on", problem solving and craftsmanship. This blend of contemporary and traditional coursework will be designed to reach all learners and encourage students to experience both.