Special Education
Course Descriptions
These courses are for students based on needs identified on individualized education plans (IEPs). (See statement on last page.)
Foundation of English (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: English (ENG)
NCAA Approved Course
These courses places emphasis on developing skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. In addition, students learn, develop and refine vocabulary, and develop other related academic skills (library, grammar, study, job search, and computer) through practical use. Each course is grade level appropriate and follows the English department curriculum. All students are provided strong support, which includes the use of technology.
English 1
Students will learn and review literary devices, reading strategies and general study skills.
English II
Students will focus on study skills, develop their research skills, sustain their silent reading and cross-cultural nonfiction.
Foundation of English (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: English (ENG)
NCAA Approved Course
These courses places emphasis on developing skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. In addition, students learn, develop and refine vocabulary, and develop other related academic skills (library, grammar, study, job search, and computer) through practical use. Each course is grade level appropriate and follows the English department curriculum. All students are provided strong support, which includes the use of technology.
English 1
Students will learn and review literary devices, reading strategies and general study skills.
English II
Students will focus on study skills, develop their research skills, sustain their silent reading and cross-cultural nonfiction.
English II
Students will focus on study skills, develop their research skills, sustain their silent reading and cross-cultural nonfiction.
English III
Students will read as writers, using literary techniques which will allow them to create original forms of descriptive writing. Their creative forms of writing are presented orally and in written form. Introduction of the Capstone Project as I-Search Presentation.
English IV
Seniors will focus on Capstone Project which is embodied with skills for the Real World. Seniors focus on time management, oration and self-awareness skills, which will transfer into their chosen post-secondary setting.
English I EOC is taken at the end of Foundation English II. English II EOC is taken at the end of Foundations English III. The English II EOC is required for graduation.
Foundations of World History (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Social Studies (SS)
NCAA Approved Course
This course provides a basic approach to understanding the development of humans and their relationships in the world until 1500 C.E., tracing from the beginnings of human movement and settlement through the age of exploration. Students examine the negative and positive effects of geography and its influence on the development of societies, the perceptions and attitudes of people from different regions, and how different perspectives of historians and mapmakers impact how we view history. The course is grade level appropriate and follows the Social Studies department curriculum.
Foundations of Sophomore World and American Studies (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 10
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Social Studies (SS)
NCAA Approved Course
This course provides basic studies of American and world history after 1500 including world geography and American government. The course focuses on the increased global interaction following the Renaissance, the European settlement of the Americas and its effect on native populations, the events leading to revolution, the establishment of the new nation, and the conflict and development of the nation through the 19th century.
The course is grade level appropriate and follows the Social Studies department curriculum.
Foundations of 20th Century Studies (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 11
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Social Studies (SS)
NCAA Approved Course
This course allows students to explore major events of the 20th century from a variety of global perspectives and to understand how these events have affected the development of today’s world. The class will focus on the following periods: Progressive Era, World Wars, Great Depression, the Cold War, and Globalization. The course is grade level appropriate and follows the Social Studies department curriculum.
Foundations of American Government (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1/2 Unit/S Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Social Studies (SS), Government (GOV)
NCAA Approved Course
The course includes an examination of basic American political principles and practices, the nature of democratic government, the U.S. Constitution, and the Missouri Constitution. In addition, we will examine important political documents and the legal process. The course is grade level appropriate and follows the Social Studies department curriculum.
Students must pass the Missouri and United States Constitution Tests.
Foundations of Algebra (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Math (MATH)
NCAA Approved Course
This course combines math fundamentals with algebraic concepts to prepare student for Advanced Algebra or beyond. Application, problem solving, and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course. The course offers the following: real-life mathematics, computation and application of rational numbers, algebraic relationships, multi-step equations, inequalities, graphs of linear functions, geometric concepts, data analysis, probability, and statistical graphing. Technology, including the use of computers and calculators, are used as tools of instruction. This course follows the Math Department Curriculum.
Algebra I EOC is taken at the end of this class. The Algebra I EOC is required for graduation.
Foundations of Algebra II (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 11
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Foundations of Algebra and instructor approval Credit Type: Math (MATH)
NCAA Approved Course
This course is a continuation of Foundations of Algebra I, providing students with a thorough review of the main topics covered in Foundations of Algebra I as well as development of related skills. Algebra II is the study of equations and their corresponding graphs. The course expands on linear and quadratic functions from Algebra I. This course follows the Math Department Curriculum. Students who complete this course will take the EOC (End of Course) Exam for Algebra I.
Foundations of Geometry (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 10
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Math (MATH)
NCAA Approved Course
This course focuses on key topics that provide a strong foundation in the essentials of geometry. Students study points, lines, planes, and their relationships. The course includes the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, and parallel lines. Along with geometry concepts there is a strong review of algebra topics throughout the course. The course follows the Math department curriculum. Students who complete this course will take the EOC (End of Course) Exam for Geometry.
Foundations of Personal Finance (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 12
1/2 Unit/S Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Social Studies (SS), Personal Finance (PF)
NCAA Approved Course
Using a problem-based approach, students will grapple with real world problems in the area of personal finance. They will define and explore values, needs and wants, learn decision-making skills, goal-setting skills and investigate career options. Students will also learn about responsible earning, spending, saving, credit, comparison shopping and major expenditures.
Meets Missouri “Personal Finance” requirement.
Foundations of Physics (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course will explore the big ideas of Physics. This Physics course places emphasis on developing basic skills in scientific reading, vocabulary, and scientific research. This course uses equations and graphs to solve physics problems. Students learn, develop, and refine scientific skills through practical use. The course follows the science department curriculum for 9th grade. All students are provided strong support, which includes the use of technology.
Foundations of Chemistry (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 10
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course will explore the big ideas of chemistry. This course uses unit themes to help students develop an understanding and appreciation of how chemistry is important in everyday life. Students apply this knowledge in the study of weather, energy, organic chemistry, and the environment. In each unit, students master key concepts as they perform investigations and complete projects. This course follows the science department curriculum for 10th grade. All students are provided strong support, which includes the use of technology.
Foundations of Biology (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course will explore the big ideas of biology. The course offers many opportunities for students to apply the concepts and ideas they are learning to real-life assessment situations. This course includes a rich variety of hands-on instructional methods. The course is designed to deepen student awareness of the complexity of life as it functions at many levels. The course is grade level appropriate and follows the Science department curriculum.
Student will take the Biology End of Course Exam after successfully completing a full year of this course.
Learning Strategies
Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)
This course is NOT NCAA Approved.
Reading: This course supports the development of the following skills: organizational systems, study skills, self-awareness and life-long learning, safe and appropriate use of technology, and the transition to post high school life. In addition, this course provides emphasis on developing reading strategies and comprehension skills, implementing a supportive framework for students to sort through information; develop the student’s ability to understand the relationship of the text to real life, personal, or text to text connections. Students develop silent reading skills, while independently choosing their selection of novels.
Math: This course supports the development of the following skills: organizational systems, study skills, self-awareness and life-long learning, safe and appropriate use of technology, and the transition to post high school life. In addition, the course consists of a variety of activities designed to reinforce analytical thinking, problem solving, and reading and writing skills required for success in these courses. While emphasizing skill development, the course also reviews the core math content standards.
Social Skills: This course supports the development of the following skills: organizational systems, study skills, self-awareness and life-long learning, safe and appropriate use of technology, and the transition to post high school life. In addition, students learn the importance, impact, and value of using appropriate social skills in a variety of settings. Opportunities to think critically about students’ roles and impacts on their learning community are provided.
Community Based Vocational Instruction (CBVI)
Grade Level Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
1-4 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Practical Arts (PA)
This course is NOT NCAA Approved.
Through collaborative partnerships between community agencies/organizations and MRH High School, participants learn “hands on” job skills in this partial day program. Students learn effective work behaviors and social skills in and out of the classroom. Community access experiences are provided in order to learn from real-life situations. This course can be taken 1 to 4 years, therefore receiving up to 4 units per year. Grades 9-10 develop skills on campus while students in grades 11-12 have opportunities to develop skills off-campus with adult coaching supports.