Students are enrolled in special needs courses by virtue of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Program descriptions appear below. Specific course descriptions are on the pages that follow.
IN-CLASS SUPPORT (ICS)
Students in the In-Class Support instructional setting are placed in a regular education class with both a regular and special education teacher assigned. Teachers in this supportive setting will work collaboratively to plan and implement the regular class curriculum using strategies, techniques, materials and modifications as needed to address each student’s unique learning needs. Students excelling in the inclusion program and who are planning to enter college upon graduation are encouraged to advance to mainstream college preparatory classes.
RESOURCE CENTER (RC)
This program offers individual and small group instruction for special needs students in a setting with a reduced class size. Students in the resource center program follow the same curriculum as regular education students with appropriate modifications and/or adaptations. Emphasis is placed on presenting content area information in a practical manner so the student can relate the information to life experience. The specific classes in which a student participates is determined by the IEP. Students who excel in the RC setting are encouraged to advance to the In-Class Support program.
REALIZING EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER HOPES (REACH)
This program is designed to enable students with mild to moderate cognitive limitations to acquire academic and functional skills necessary for employment and independent living. Curricular topics and concepts will be presented in the context of daily living and career oriented experiences. Instruction of vocational skills is infused into daily content area material. Program components include direct instruction in English/Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Life Skills, Literacy, Problem Solving, and Vocational Preparation.
SELF-CONTAINED BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES (SCBD)
The self-contained class for behavioral disabilities provides services and an educational program for students whose behavioral/emotional problems prevent a regular school program. This program provides a core curriculum of all academic subjects mandated for graduation. The following subjects are provided to the students: English/Reading, Mathematics, Science, History, World Language, Health & Physical Education, and Life Skills. The class learns in both group and individual settings based on subject matter and student ability. A large emphasis is placed on the development of appropriate social skills and behavior. A behavior modification program is in place that will enable students to earn classes out of the program into mainstream classes.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - MATHEMATICS
INTERACTIVE MATHEMATICS PROGRAM 1 | GRADE 9 | 5 CREDITS
IMP 1 exposes students to Algebra 1 using a problem-solving approach. The IMP 1 curriculum challenges students to actively explore open-ended situations, in a way that closely resembles the inquiry method used by mathematicians and scientists in their work. IMP students are called on to experiment with examples, identify and articulate patterns, and make, test, and prove conjectures. The three-year IMP program integrates algebra, geometry and trigonometry with additional topics recommended by the national reports, using graphing calculators and computer technology to enhance student learning. This course is the first of a three-year program that meets requirements for college.
INTERACTIVE MATHEMATICS PROGRAM 2 | GRADE 10-1 | 5 CREDITS
IMP 2 is the second year of a three-year program that exposes students to algebra, data analysis, matrices, and visual representations of data using a problem-solving approach. Students will work with powerful mathematical ideas and learn a variety of approaches to solve equations. Problem contexts include statistical comparison of populations, the geometry of the honeycomb, and maximization of profits from a business. IMP Year 2 will challenge students to actively explore open-ended situations and encourage inquiry as a method to solve problems. Students will experiment with examples; identify and articulate patterns; and make, test and prove conjectures. Students will develop skills from Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics and Logic.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of IMP Year 1
CONSUMER MATH | GRADE 12 | 5 CREDITS
Consumer Mathematics is designed for the fourth year special education student who has successfully completed three years of mathematics courses. Applications to life skills will be stressed in addition to hands on operation of the school store. Higher order thinking and questioning skills will also be addressed in conjunction with the Core Curriculum Content Standards for both Mathematics and Workplace Readiness.
MATH LAB (In Class Support) | GRADE 12 | 5 CREDITS
Math Lab is a course designed for seniors who have not met proficiency on the HSPA. Students will receive intensive instruction and review of the concepts presented on the HSPA. This course incorporates arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Estimation skills, pattern recognition, and problem-solving techniques are stressed throughout the year.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - ENGLISH
ENGLISH 1 / READ 180 | GRADE 9 | 10 CREDITS
English 1 / READ 180 is required of all ninth grade students in the Resource Center program. This course is an intensive reading program designed to improve reading comprehension and instill the habits of life-long readers. The program directly addresses individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high interest literature, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills. This program will be provided to students during a 90 minute block period (Students who elect to go to Atlantic County Institute of Technology as a shared time student will be enrolled in English 1 for a 45 minute period).
ENGLISH 2 | GRADE 10 | 5 CREDITS
English 2 is required of all tenth grade students. This course is designed to develop language competency, as well as an application of literature and use of mass media. Placement is determined by the Child Study Team according to classification and reading level ability. This course is aligned with the Language Arts Literacy Standards specified by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Preparation and review for the S Test and HSPA are an integral part of daily instruction within this course. Students study and apply the writing process, read a broad base of literary works, learn and apply rules of grammar and composition, and develop research and visual literacy skills.
ENGLISH 3 | GRADE 11 | 5 CREDITS
English 3 is required of all eleventh grade students. This course is designed to develop language competency, as well as an application of literature and use of mass media. Placement is determined by the Child Study Team according to classification and reading level ability. This course is aligned with the Language Arts Literacy Standards specified by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Preparation and review for the HSPA are an integral part of daily instruction within this course. Students study and apply the writing process, read a broad base of literary works, learn and apply rules of grammar and composition, and develop research and visual literacy skills.
ENGLISH 4 | GRADE 12| 5 CREDITS
English 4 is required of all twelfth grade students. This course is designed to develop language competency, as well as an application of literature and use of mass media. Placement is determined by the Child Study Team according to classification and reading level ability. This course is aligned with the Language Arts Literacy Standards specified by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Students study and apply the writing process, read a broad base of literary works, learn and apply rules of grammar and composition, and develop research and visual literacy skills.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - SCIENCE
CLASSICAL SCIENCE | GRADE 9 | 5 CREDITS
This laboratory science allows students to study concepts from physics, chemistry, and earth science with a biological focus. The course is designed to develop knowledge of scientific principles and to improve laboratory skills. Students will concentrate on mathematical skill development as well as explore scientific habits of mind through scientific inquiry and at a level commensurate with the individual student’s ability to learn as determined by the IEP. Laboratory Procedures and Mathematics are stressed. This course will begin to prepare students for the NJ Biology End Of Course exam.
BIOLOGY | GRADE 10 | 5 CREDITS
This course will provide students with an understanding of the diversity of life ranging from simple to complex. Major topics of study include cellular biology, human biology, taxonomy, zoology, evolution, genetics and ecology. Laboratory and hands on activities are provided to reinforce scientific principles in the areas of cell biology, taxonomy, zoology, evolution, human biology, genetics and their application in solving everyday problems.
EARTH SCIENCE | GRADE 11 | 5 CREDITS
The Earth Science course is devoted to developing an awareness of earth’s composition and dimensions, earth’s dynamics, plate tectonics, erosion and deposition, oceans, earth’s atmosphere and astronomy. The course will also address the basic structure of the earth, the various processes at work, and the earth’s place and movement in space.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - HEALTH
HEALTH | GRADE 9 | 5 CREDITS
This course covers the promotion of health enhancing behaviors and disease prevention concepts. Students will be introduced to topics such as the physical, mental, emotional and social effects of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; biological, social, cultural and psychological aspects of human sexuality and family life; and health enhancing personal, interpersonal, and life skills. Students will also study for and prepare for the written driver's test.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD HISTORY | GRADE 9 | 5 CREDITS
This course explores the ways in which man has responded to the challenges of his environment, the times in which he has lived, and his fellow man. The history of various civilizations in both the Western and Eastern Worlds is explored to provide a background to increase students' knowledge of contemporary global, cultural, social, political and economic systems. Additional emphasis is placed upon the development of reading and writing skills.
U.S. HISTORY 1 | GRADE 10 | 5 CREDITS
This course will focus on the early development of the United States. Students will examine the migration to America of Asiatic, Scandinavian, Western European, and African people as well as the period of English Colonization. Other areas of study include the American Revolution, Foreign Affairs, the Civil War, and Reconstruction periods. It is intended that the student will become a better citizen through instruction in the principles and ideals of the American form of representative government, and the history, origin, and growth of the social, economic and cultural development of the United States.
U.S. HISTORY 2 | GRADE 11 | 5 CREDITS
This course will focus on the development of the United Sates from the Civil War to the present. Emphasis is placed on current social issues of importance and interest. Its purpose is to provide the student with a review of immediate history to develop an understanding of the world today. It is intended that the student will become a better citizen through instruction in those events in the history of the United States and will install a determination to exercise the privilege of the ballot, upon reaching voting age.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - WORLD LANGUAGE
SPANISH 1 | GRADE 10 | 5 CREDITS
Spanish 1 is a required course offered to tenth grade special education students who have not mastered the skills necessary to succeed in a mainstreamed Spanish class. Emphasis will be placed upon oral language and culture. This course is the first year of a two-year requirement.
SPANISH 2 | GRADE 10/11 | 5 CREDITS
Spanish 2 is a required course offered to tenth/eleventh grade special education students who have successfully completed Spanish 1. This course is the second year of a two year state mandated language requirement. Students will continue to gain knowledge/understanding of the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Emphasis will be placed upon oral communication, written expression, reading and translation of written passages.
SPECIAL EDUCATION - LIFE SKILLS
LIFE SKILLS | GRADE 9-1 | 5 CREDITS
This comprehensive course is designed for students in the SCBD program. The course will focus on practical living skills, personal growth and management, social skills, communication, consumer awareness (comparative shopping, money management, credit, purchasing a car), and employment skills (finding a job, resume writing, interviewing techniques, maintaining employment).
