Special Education

Essential Understanding

1)  All students have the right and opportunity to participate in the general curriculum to the maximum extent possible.

2)  All students can make a positive contribution to society.


The Special Education Department at Plainville High School provides a continuum of services to students identified with disabilities through the Special Education Planning and Placement Team process as required by law. Individualized services may include:

A.  Intensive reading, writing or math instruction

B.  Student academic support and organizational strategies support

C.  Transition planning for post-secondary education or employment

D.  Functional / daily living skills

E.  Behavioral management

F.  Related services: counseling, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy


Special Education Consideration

Special education students whose disabilities interfere with their test performance may be exempted from this graduation requirement.  This will be determined by the Planning and Placement Team after the student has made at least one attempt to meet the standards.  Exemption from the “one attempt” requirement could also be made by the PPT if the student’s cognitive abilities justify such exemption. For those students who are completely exempted, the Planning and Placement Team will develop an alternative assessment that will be in line with the student’s cognitive abilities and post-secondary transition goals.


If recommended by the PPT Team, the following courses are designed to provide credit for students receiving direct instruction in the areas described above:

**SCROLL DOWN FOR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS**

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COURSE OFFERINGS:

English 1A & English 1B - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

This course is taught by a special education teacher. Students will be taught skills and strategies to improve their writing skills and written language repertoire. Skill sets from the sentence to paragraph level will be addressed. In addition, grammar, mechanics and punctuation will be integrated throughout the course.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

English 2A & English 2B- Level 3

Grade Level:   9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

This course is taught by a special education teacher. Students will be taught advanced skills and strategies to improve their writing skills and written language repertoire. Composing an essay with multiple paragraphs will be addressed.  In addition, grammar, mechanics and punctuation will be integrated throughout the course.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Decoding 1 - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

This course is provided to students who require in-depth instruction in reading decoding and encoding.  A special education teacher who designs instruction using evidence-based programs focused on individual needs teaches this course.  Any student with an identified need in decoding will be recommended for this course.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Decoding 2 - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

This course is provided to students who have a basic understanding of phonetic rules, but need more practice to use these skills automatically when reading.   This course is taught by a special education teacher who designs instruction using evidence-based programs focused on individual needs.  Any student with an identified need in decoding will be recommended for this course.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied Humanities- Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:   per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. This curriculum focuses on teaching social skills to students to prepare them to interact effectively with others in a variety of environments.  Since individual needs vary, the program is always adjusted to best suit the student. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied Math 1 Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisites:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. This course is designed to provide students with specialized instruction to address IEP goals reflecting Common Core Standards in the area of geometry. Since individual needs vary, the program is always adjusted to best suit the student. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed. 

Applied Math 2 Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisites:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. This course is designed to provide students with specialized instruction to address IEP goals reflecting Common Core Standards in the area of algebraic thinking.   Since individual needs vary, the program is always adjusted to best suit the student. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Consumer Math - Level 3       

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  1                                                      

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

A course that will focus on remediation of mathematical skills required to solve real world problems. Topics will include number sense, probability and statistics, measurement and geometric applications and algebra and functions.  Real world models will be utilized. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Pre-Algebra 1 - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

 Pre-Algebra 1 is designed for students who require further review and practice of core foundational math skills. This course will provide individualized instruction to students in preparation for high school level math.  Students will work independently and collaboratively to increase math reasoning skills.   Through the use of hands-on manipulatives, assistive technology, visual aids and class discussions, students will have the opportunity to explore different learning styles and ways to express their understanding.   Course units will focus on problem solving with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents, and interpreting data.  Activities will require students to apply concepts learned in class to real life situations.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Pre-Algebra 2 - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

Pre-Algebra 2 was created for students who have demonstrated competency in basic math skills, but require individualized instruction in order to access high school level math.  This course focuses on developing the prerequisite skills for Algebra and Geometry.   Course units will include problem solving with integers, simplifying expressions, solving and graphing linear functions in slope-intercept form, and basic geometry (angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, area, perimeter and volume).  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied American Government - Level 3

Grade Level:  9   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

American Government is a study of the history and functions of U.S. government and democratic practices. Emphasis is placed on the national level, the structure of the 3 branches of government, and Constitutional issues.  State and local governments are also studied and several short research projects are required. This course satisfies the Civics graduation requirement. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed. 

Applied Social Studies - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisites:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. This curriculum provides a foundation in current events to expand their knowledge of cultures, customs, and places in the world. Students focus on real life application skills of accessing the community by exercising personal choice, following community rules, making a purchase at a store or restaurant, and participating in community life through social or vocational experiences.  Since individual needs vary, the program is always adjusted to best suit the student.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied U.S. History 1 - Level 3

Grade Level:   11   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

U.S. History I offers an overview of American history. Several performance-based projects are expected. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied Planet Earth - Level 3

Grade Level:   9   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

Planet Earth allows students to explore current challenges facing our planet including: natural resource availability and management, human impact and global climate change.  Students will also explore Earth’s geologic history, planetary motion, and astronomical phenomena.  Students will hone their skills in asking questions, analyzing & interpreting data, modeling, and forming arguments based on evidence.  

Life Science/Biology - Level 3   

Grade Level:   10   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

Biology examines the fundamental properties of life. Emphasis is placed on development of good scientific attitudes, laboratory techniques, and science skills. Embedded within the curriculum are many inquiry-based assignments focused on improving students’ scientific skill sets as various topics are covered.  

Applied Science - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5


Prerequisite:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. The course is designed to provide students with specialized instruction to address IEP goals reflecting Common Core Standards in Earth Science and Life Science with a focus on functional skills needed for everyday life. Real life application of science skills will be practiced through daily living skills. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Applied Regions - Level 3

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5


Prerequisite:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. The course is designed to provide students with specialized instruction to address IEP goals reflecting Common Core Standards in Social Studies with a focus on functional skills needed for everyday life. Real life application of science skills will be practiced through daily living skills. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Learning Methods/Transition - Level 3

Grade Level:   9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

This course is designed to support students for the academic demands in high school and beyond through learning both academic and real-world skills. Students learn study strategies to apply to class work and begin developing transition skills that will be needed after high school through direct instruction, practice and application of these skills. Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed. Students will explore their own IEP, learn about their disability, learning styles, and build on personal strengths to reach self-advocacy. The focus is on organization, work production, goal setting, and problem-solving skills as outlined by the IEP, as well as transition to postsecondary education and/or employment. Students will also explore career options in a broad sense and learn how to research careers, as well as learn strategic routines for planning long-term assignments, memorizing vocabulary, finding and learning lists of information from text, and strategies for test taking. Students will also hone career choices and match those choices to coursework.

 

Through this course, students ages 14 and over will meet State requirements to prepare for post-secondary and/or vocational experiences. With the support of the Special Education Teacher, students will become familiar with their IEP, career interests, job exploration, vocational/career mapping and post-secondary options.  Specific skill deficits and IEP goals/objectives will be addressed.

Vocational Training - Level 3

Grade Level:   9, 10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  per the IEP

The Developmental Program provides services for students with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. This curriculum focuses on hands-on learning in a simulated work environment which teaches skills needed to be successful in a job after high school such as clerical activities, custodial jobs, and food service.  Students usually enter this program as freshmen and may exit at the age of 22 in order to provide an adequate amount of vocational training. However, since individual needs vary, the program is always adjusted to best suit the student.  The program also works very closely with the Department of Developmental Services and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services as well as a Transition Coordinator and job coaches within the school setting.

Integrated Physical Education - Level  3

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 /Credit: .5

Prerequisite:   Approval by the PE Department, School Counselor and School Psychologist is required if you are interested in serving as a peer helper. This course can be taken as an additional elective for 9th and 10th graders (but cannot replace PE9 or PE10 courses).  This course MAY replace the PE 11 or 12 credit for graduation if approval is granted.


Integrated Physical Education class pairs students with disabilities and students with written modifications with age appropriate peer helpers and role models.  The emphasis is on socialization, teamwork and skill development, in a less competitive environment, to enhance physical activity and overall fitness.