Special Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

OVERVIEW

North Attleboro High School provides a range of Special Education programs and services that assures equal education opportunities to all students based on their learning styles and needs. In order to participate in Special Education programs, students must be evaluated in accordance with state law 603 section 28 and must have an Individualized Educational Program.

ENGLISH

ENGLISH 9/10

Grades 9-10, 5 Credits, Level 3 - 940

This course provides individual and small group instruction in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students develop skills by reading a wide variety of selections, including novels, short stories, news articles and other non-fiction.

ENGLISH 11/12

Grades 11-12, 5 Credits, Level 3 - 941

This course combines individualized and small group instruction in vocabulary, reading, composition, and job skills. Requirements are vocabulary development through lessons, context sentences and quizzes, literature reading of short stories and novels, development of a resume and interviewing skills.

MATHEMATICS

MATH I

Grade 9, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 942

This course provides for students’ individual needs, learning style and abilities in mathematics and is intended to strengthen basic concepts, principles, facts, and skills of mathematics. The course focuses on a basic introduction to algebra and geometry.

MATH II

Grade 10, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 943

This course is an extension of the skills taught in Math I. The course is structured to employ individual and small group instruction. Students will gain a better understanding of mathematical concepts. Particular attention is paid to development of problem solving strategies as they apply to algebraic and geometric concepts, the study of patterns in mathematics, and the introduction to statistics.

MATH III

Grade 11, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 944

This course reinforces and builds upon skills taught in Math II. Individual and small group instruction are employed. Among the topics presented are whole numbers and variables, solving equations, formulas, ratio, proportion, percent, integers and rational numbers.

MATH IV

Grade 12, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 945

This course builds upon skills taught in previous math courses. Individual and small group instruction are employed. Among the topics presented are graphing in the coordinate plane, use of tables and graphs, probability and statistics, special triangles, and geometry and measurement.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE I

Grade 9, 5 Credits, Level 3 - 946

This course provides a modified science curriculum, and focuses on matter, energy and the changes in matter and energy in the first semester. During the second semester, topics focus on biological principles and concepts. This course is for students who require a resource setting for science. This is the first of a two-part preparation for the Biology MCAS. A variety of hands-on experiences will be provided.

SCIENCE II

Grade 10, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 947

This course provides a modified science curriculum and focuses on biology for students who require a resource setting for science. This is the second of a two-part preparation for the Biology MCAS. A variety of hands-on experiences will be provided.

SCIENCE III

Grade 11, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 948

This course provides a modified science curriculum and focuses on Human Biology concepts for students who require a resource setting for science. Emphasis is on students’ learning science as they encounter it in their daily living. A variety of hands-on experiences will be provided.

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

WORLD HISTORY I

Grade 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 3 - 949

This course closely follows the course description in the Social Studies section of this Program of Studies, covering events from 500 A.D. to 1800 A.D. Individualization is provided according to the student’s I.E.P. Requirements of this course include note-taking and organizational skills, a research paper and unit tests. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments.

U.S. HISTORY I

Grade 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 3 - 950

This course provides a study of early American history from 1763-1877. Requirements include note-taking, a research paper, and unit tests. Homework is an integral part of the course.

U.S. HISTORY II

Grade 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 3 – 952

This course begins with a study of the U.S. from 1877 to the present. It reviews the forces and events that helped shape modern America. Requirements include note-taking, a research paper and unit tests. Homework is an integral part of the course.

CIVICS

Grade 12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3 – 968

This course is primarily for students who require a small class setting and who have completed World History and

U. S. History requirements. It provides an overview of modern democratic government in the United States and will include a study of the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and an examination of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Requirements include note taking, a research paper and unit tests. Homework is an integral part of the course.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Grade 12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3 - 970

This course is primarily for students who require a small class setting and who have completed World History and

U. S. History requirements. The course provides students with the opportunity to investigate and discuss issues in today’s world. Various forms of the media will be used to generate topics for discussion. Requirements include note taking, a research paper and unit tests. Homework is an integral part of the course.

BUSINESS

PERSONAL FINANCE

Grade 11-12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3- 953

This course is a comprehensive study of personal financial literacy designed for the college-bound and career-oriented student. Students learn how to make informed financial decisions related to budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, taxes, and career exploration. An integral component of the financial literacy curriculum is the application of decision- making skills that enables students to become more responsible consumers for lifetime success.

WELLNESS

WELLNESS I

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3 – 954

This course will familiarize students with an overall view of self-responsibility for wellness. Topics covered will include the human body and its systems, basic nutrition, mental and social health, drug uses and misuses, basic first aid and environmental health.

WELLNESS II

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3 – 955

This course will be a continuation of Health I. Topics covered will include cardiovascular health, cancer, consumer health and personal health issues. Emphasis will be placed on responsibility for personal wellness.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Grades 9–12, 2, 3 or 5 Periods(credits vary by course), Level 3 959 – 2 periods, 960 – 3 periods, 961 – 5 periods

This course is designed to assist students in accessing course curriculum and to receive support for their goals. Instructional intervention and strategies are the focus of this class, along with the re-teaching of specific skill areas designed to achieve student success. Students will be introduced to a variety of strategies that will assist them to achieve academic success and independence. Furthermore, students will become familiar with self determination skills such as self advocacy, goal setting, and independent living skills. This class is a service identified for students on Individualized Education Plans to empower students to be independent learners.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Grades 9–12, 2.5 Credits, Level 3 – 962

This course is designed to introduce the fundamentals of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software. The role of the Internet will also be explored. The student will learn the basic principles involved in the above- mentioned systems. Emphasis will be placed on development and reinforcement of functional application skills as required in today’s workplace.

SUBSTANTIALLY SEPARATE PROGRAMS

PATHWAYS PROGRAM

Grades 9-12

The Pathways Program serves students with social-emotional barriers, providing a highly structured, safe and therapeutically supportive environment that focuses on academic achievement. These students share a common denominator of emotional vulnerability and social-emotional concerns that impact learning. Depending upon the needs of the student, program support may range from one period to full days with the option for flexible scheduling. For students who are mainstreamed, there exists an on-going, effective communication network between regular and special education staff. The program can foster up to 12 students at one particular time. Both students and staff are working towards building social-emotional confidence, academic mindsets and stability within their mental and physical health.

ACCESS PROGRAM I and II

Grades 9-12

The Access Programs, I, II are designed especially for students who require a substantially separate learning environment where the emphasis is on the development of appropriate social behaviors, managing anxiety and stress, transitional skills, and work related behaviors and training. English, Math, History and Science focus on the core curriculum for these subjects, teaching the most pertinent information in a multitude of learning styles with modification as needed and accommodations according to the students' individual needs. Preparing the student for MCAS is an important part of the grade 9 and 10 curriculum. Counseling is a strong component of this program.

As juniors and seniors, a strong emphasis is placed on post-secondary transition skills and opportunities. Students participate in activities both in the classroom and out in the community that help them prepare for their transition from high school into post-secondary environments. An emphasis is placed on the development of skills that can be generalized into other environments after graduation to help students realize success.

LEARNING CENTER PROGRAM

Grades 9 – 12

The Learning Center Program is designed for students who require extensive support throughout high school and in preparation for adulthood. The curriculum focuses on the development of skills essential to maximize each

student’s potential for independence: basic academic skills, functional daily living skills, social and self-advocacy skills, and vocational skills.

Each student’s program will be designed based upon the decisions made during their TEAM meeting. Typical program would include: English Language Arts, Math, practical Science, Practical Social Studies, Transitional Life Skills, Wellness, and Vocational Skills.

Students will not be required to complete NAHS graduation requirements but all opportunities for supported inclusion will be encouraged. Most students will complete an MCAS Alternate Assessment and will earn a Certificate of Attainment at graduation rather than a traditional diploma.

TRANSITION PROGRAM

Grades 9-12

The Transition Program is designed especially for students who require a self-contained program in order to be successful in passing academic classes, maintaining appropriate behaviors and making progress toward meeting graduation requirements. Counseling is an integral component of the program. Eligible students may participate in the School to Work Program.

PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Rocketeer Readiness I

Grades 9-12, 2.5 credits, Level 3 – 958R

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests, values and skills and how they relate to post-secondary education, occupations and successful employment. The course addresses basic skills for getting and keeping a job such as applications, interviewing, references, student labor laws, and work permits, employer expectations and job retention strategies. Students are introduced to the concept of self-determination and the development of these skills through a variety of leadership activities. Independent living skills and community resources are explored and students gain a better knowledge of various agencies and services available to them after completing high school. Other targeted skills include healthy living habits, emotional regulation, relationship building and communication. Students will create an electronic transition portfolio for use after graduation.

Rocketeer Readiness II

Grades 9-12, 2.5 credits, Level 3 – 958RR

The focus of this course will be students accessing community support and being able to generalize and apply the skills learned previously. Students take a leadership role in understanding their strengths and weaknesses as a learner as well as a more prominent leadership role in developing self advocacy skills both at school and in the community. Students delve further into postsecondary education and training opportunities and how the laws in this area change from high school to post-secondary learning environments. Students hone their employability skills and conduct more targeted research into careers of interest and the training and skills needed to access those careers.