Special Education

English 9 Fundamentals 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the English 9 Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Through the reading of adapted texts, analysis of short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction texts for students in Fundamentals English 9 will strengthen their skills in functional: reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Communication and collaboration are fundamental skills for students to be successful in all future endeavors. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and will communicate given their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, social stories, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in academic discussions with their peers. Students will make personal connections with the literature and practice grade level aligned reading skills. The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs Alternate Achievement Standards aligned curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

English 10 Fundamentals 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the English 10 Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards.. Through the reading of adapted texts, analysis of short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction texts for students in Fundamentals English 10 will strengthen their skills in functional: reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Communication and collaboration are fundamental skills for students to be successful in all future endeavors. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and will communicate given their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, social stories, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in academic discussions with their peers. Students will make personal connections with the literature and practice grade level aligned reading skills. Students will communicate and compose responses/writing based on their primary mode of communication. The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction 

English 11 Fundamentals 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the English 11 Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Through the reading of adapted texts, analysis of short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction texts for students in Fundamentals English 11 will strengthen their skills in functional: reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Communication and collaboration are fundamental skills for students to be successful in all future endeavors. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and will communicate given their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, social stories, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in academic discussions with their peers. Students will make personal connections with the literature and practice grade level aligned reading skills. This course also includes components of fundamental key vocabulary, the writing process, and reading comprehension skills.The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

English 12 Fundamentals 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the English/Language arts Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Through the reading of adapted texts, analysis of short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction texts for students in Fundamentals English 12 will strengthen their skills in functional: reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Communication and collaboration are fundamental skills for students to be successful in all future endeavors. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and will communicate given their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, social stories, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in academic discussions with their peers. Students will make personal connections with the literature and practice grade level aligned reading skills. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used.

Math I Fundamentals (Grade 9) 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Mathematics Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. This course includes fundamental mathematics skills that allow students to access mathematics concepts related to: categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Math II Fundamentals (Grade 10) 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Mathematics Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. This course includes standards from the fundamental categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics. The application of mathematical fundamentals will also be explored (i.e. money skills, budgeting, and time). Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Math III Fundamentals (Grade 11) 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Mathematics Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. This course includes fundamental standards from the mathematical areas of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics. The application of mathematical fundamentals will also be explored in real world contexts (i.e. money skills, budgeting, and time). Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Math for Everyday Life 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Mathematics Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Math for Everyday Life incorporates real-world math applications alongside standards-based activities and practices for all grade bands. Skills like budgeting, time management, are spiraled where appropriate throughout the lesson plans so that students have opportunities to apply foundational concepts to their everyday lives. For example, students learn how to: read a bus schedule and plan accordingly, account for traffic when deciding what time to leave the house to arrive on time, budgeting and saving to make the desired purchases, and practice practical applications of math concepts, such as making purchases in real-life situations in the classroom and within the community. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Fundamentals of Life Science 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Science Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Students are provided with access to CCSS for Life Science. This course includes alternate achievement standards aligned essential understandings in the categories of: Molecules to organisms to include structures & processes, Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, Hereditary: Inheritance & Traits, and Biological evolution: unity & diversity. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Fundamentals of Physical Science 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Science Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Students are provided with access to CCSS for Physical Science. This course includes alternate achievement standards aligned essential understandings in the categories of: Matter and its interactions, Motion & Stability: forces & interactions, and Energy: Waves & Interactions. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Fundamentals of Earth Science 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Science Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. Students are provided with access to CCSS for Earth Science. This course includes alternate achievement standards aligned essential understandings in the categories of: Earth’s place in the universe, Earth’s systems, Human Activity, Engineering, Technology, and applications of Science. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Career Awareness & Exploration 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma, as well as students who may benefit from further career awareness & exploration as determined appropriate by their I.E.P.. Career Awareness & exploration is a course appropriate for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are eligible for the CA Alternate Assessment and on an Alternate Diploma Course of Study. This course is focused on education related transition services to include, but not limited to: self-advocacy, career planning, and career guidance. This course also provides work experience education, work experience and job coaching provided on or off of the school campus. This course provides an organized educational program that is directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment, or for additional preparation for a career requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used.

Fundamentals of World History and Current Events 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards in which to access the fundamentals for World History. Fundamentals of World History include access to themes related to political change, economic development, the growth of science and technology, the effect of contact between cultures, and creativity in the arts. Skill emphasis will include functional: reading, communication development, and writing skills. The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Fundamentals of US History 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards in which to access the fundamentals of US History. Students will learn fundamental concepts in: civics, economics, and geography. Students will obtain a basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in the United States.The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

US Government & Civics (one-semester)/ Economics (one-semester) This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards in which to access the fundamental skills for US Government & Civics. The focus of this course is the study of the historical development of the American government and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. Students will learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography. Obtain a basic knowledge of American culture, law development, and the judicial system, through a chronological survey of major issues, people, and events in the United States government. The course parallels the district mapping for the general education diploma class of the same subject and grade level access. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Required = 1 course 

Students may take general education elective courses from the list of courses as offered to all students. Visual performing arts, world language or other courses as deemed appropriate by the IEP team that are selected in light of students' Course of Study. Along with general education elective courses, two elective courses specifically designed for students with extensive needs shall be offered for students eligible for the Alternate Pathway Course of Study in grades 11, 12 & 12+. 

Independent Living & Transition Skills I 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma, as well as students who may benefit from further development of their independent living and transition skills, as determined appropriate by their I.E.P.. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. The Independent Living Skills (ILS) course provides education for students with significant disabilities to gain independent living skills in preparation for their transition to adult living after highschool. ILS coursework is focused on basic self-help activities, such as, but not limited to: money management, work skills, navigating the school & community environment, shopping, meal preparation, health/medical care, laundry, and self-advocacy. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used. 

Independent Living & Transition Skills II 

This course is appropriate for students on an Alternative Course of Study towards a diploma, as well as students who may benefit from further development of their independent living and transition skills, as determined appropriate by their I.E.P.. Students are provided with curriculum and instruction aligned to the Essential Understandings of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) Alternate Achievement Standards. The Independent Living Skills (ILS) course provides education for students with significant disabilities to gain independent living skills in preparation for their transition to adult living after highschool. ILS coursework is focused on basic self-help activities that include, but are not limited to: money management, work skills, navigating your school & community environment, shopping, meal preparation, health/medical care, laundry, and self-advocacy. This course will also include basic vocational skills and work experience provided on and/or off of the school campus. Students will participate and develop fundamental understandings given their accommodations and/or modifications as listed in their respective I.E.P, and participation in their mode of communication style (i.e. to include students who require the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), pictograms, dynamic display devices, etc.) to engage in their learning environment. Although adapted, students have exposure to grade level CCSSs aligned Alternate Achievement Standards curriculum and differentiated rigor to meet their unique needs related to their disability. Out of grade level supplemental materials and instruction may be used.