Special Education

Academic Support, Grades 9-12, 5.00 cr.
812

The Academic Support Program at Norwell High School focuses on three major areas. First and foremost, is the specially designed instruction outline in each students’ IEP. Second, students are given the opportunity to practice and apply basic skills and study skills learned in content area subjects.  Third, students work on the skills necessary to transition to the next level in their educational career, whether it be the next grade, college or work.  The special education teachers and support staff caides coordinate, communicate and collaborate with classroom teachers in the implementation of accommodations, and when needed, the modification of curriculum.  Additionally, students who require related services (such as Speech Therapy, Counseling, Occupational Therapy, etc.) as a part of their IEP receive these services either throughout the course of their typical day, or during their scheduled academic support class. 

 

Academic Support, Grades 9-12, 2.5 cr.
799

This Academic Support Program provides the same structured environment as the Academic Support Program Courses listed above. However, this course offer students the opportunity to transition out of a full-time Academic Support Course and further allows them time to practice independent selfadvocacy, learning style strategies and time management skills. Meets 3 out of 7 days.

Life Skills, 2.5 or 5.00 cr.
810

The Life Skills class at Norwell High School delivers specially designed instruction for students with special needs in practical academic skills: how to work in groups, maintain health and hygiene, find an apartment, stick to a budget, use public transportation, live independently, make financial decisions.  Units include:

Self Awareness (character, values, self-esteem, disabilities, personal life choices)
People Skills (communication skills, friendship skills, relating to others, working in groups)
Academic and School Skills (functional reading, writing, math and study skills)
Practical Living Skills (information skills, money skills, travel, clothing, living arrangements, nutrition, shopping, exercise/health/hygiene)
Vocational Skills (present skills and interests, getting a job, working)
Community and Leisure Activities (navigating the community, leisure activities)
Problem Solving Skills (handling problems, making decisions, resource management)
Social Skills (working in groups, using pragmatic language skills, navigating peer relationships, understanding emotions)
Daily Living Skills Health and Hygiene (safety, first aid, self-esteem, nutrition, exercise, laundry, cooking, time management, leisure activities) 
Finances (make change, compute mileage, figure sales tax, calculate wages, balance a checkbook, understand utility bills, online banking) 
Self-Esteem (body language, personal body space, career choices, change, dating, peer pressure) 

 

Work Experience, 2.5 or 5.00 cr.
805

This course  provides hands-on work experience opportunities for students preparing for the world of work. Students will learn to follow instruction, assess strengths, and explore career options. During this experience, students will target job skills, pinpoint career objectives, identify strengths, and explore ways to handle different work situations, while developing personal and interpersonal skills.  Other topics may include: Career Exploration, Personal Finance, In-School work options

Real World Academics, 2.5 or 5.00 cr.
|800

This course  supports students as they transition to further vocational training or to employment.  The course will cover  functional academics in the areas of Mathematics, Reading, Science and Social Studies.  Mathematics will include such topics as Banking, Budgets, Shopping, Money Management, Making Change and Employment.  Reading will include such topics as online job applications, using the newspaper, forms related to employment, reading skills necessary for daily living.  The class will incorporate a structured reading program to improve reading ability. 

In addition, topics in Social Studies and Science will be incorporated as they relate to accessing the community, understanding the world and what it means to be a citizen.