Foundations of Reading
Washington Community High School
Mrs. Kamienski
kkkamienski@wacohi.net
Course Description:
This course is designed specifically for high school students in special education programs who are looking to build and enhance essential reading skills within a practical, real-world context. The focus of the Life Skills Reading class is to empower students with the literacy skills necessary for daily living and personal growth.
Through a blend of individualized instruction and hands-on activities, students will engage in:
Functional Reading Practice: Students will learn to interpret and use various types of everyday reading materials, such as menus, public transportation schedules, job applications, and safety instructions. The goal is to develop skills that directly impact their independence and ability to navigate the world.
Comprehension Strategies: Emphasis will be placed on understanding main ideas, identifying key information, and making inferences from texts. Activities will be tailored to meet diverse reading levels and needs.
Vocabulary Building: Students will expand their functional vocabulary through interactive exercises, focusing on words and phrases relevant to their daily experiences and future goals.
Life Application: Real-life scenarios and role-playing will be integrated to practice reading skills in context. This includes navigating community resources, understanding personal documents, and improving self-advocacy through effective communication.
Adaptive Technologies: Instruction will include the use of assistive technologies and tools that support reading and comprehension, ensuring students have access to resources that enhance their learning experience.
The course aims to foster confidence and independence in reading, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in their daily lives and transition smoothly into adulthood. With a supportive and personalized approach, students will build foundational skills that are both practical and empowering.
Materials
Charged Chromebook
Pencil/Pen
Paper
Grading Scale
A 89.5 - 100
B 79.5 - 89.4
C 69.5 - 79.4
D 59.5 - 69.4
F 59.4 and below
Classroom Expectations
Arrive on time and prepared for class
Be respectful to staff and students
Demonstrate strong work ethic
Appropriate use of technology.
Failure to follow classroom and school rules will result in teacher detention or referral.
Work Expectations
Do your best work
Use time provided in class
Ask questions in class; email questions outside of class
Submit work on time
Academic honesty (no cheating!)*
* "Artificial Intelligence" or "AI" is intelligence demonstrated by computers, as opposed to human intelligence. "Intelligence" encompasses the ability to learn, reason, generalize, and infer meaning. Examples of AI technology include but are not limited to: ChatGPT and other chatbots and large language models.
AI is not a substitute for schoolwork that requires original thought. Students may not claim AI generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission by the teacher is strictly prohibited. The use of AI for these purposes constitutes cheating or plagiarism.
In order to ensure academic integrity, tests, assignments, projects, papers, and other schoolwork may be checked by AI content detectors and/or plagiarism recognition software.
Absence Policy
If a student is absent from class due to an illness or excused absence, please email Mrs. Kamienski and check Google Classroom for material and assignments. You will have two school days to make up this work for full credit.
Late Work Policy
The expectation is that homework is to be turned in on time. With some exceptions, if work is turned in late, you will receive partial credit; 10% off per school day late. No late work will be accepted after the midterm and semester cut-off dates.