Statement of Philosophy: The Teaching/Learning Cooperative is a course being offered in conjunction with the life management department. A special education teacher and a general education teacher will be teaching this course cooperatively. Special needs students who are enrolled in this course will work closely with their general education peers who will serve as models and peer tutors. A few of the areas that will be covered include social development and interactions, life skills, wellness (physical, mental health and nutrition), decision making, goal setting, food preparation, leisure and recreation. All of these topics have been emphasized by the state department of education as being important to include in IEPs for special education students at the high school level to help insure their successful transition to work and life beyond high school.
Special Education Department
Department Personnel:
In an effort to become a more inclusive learning environment the administration and staff of Montville High School are committed to educating special education students to the maximum extent that is appropriate, in the general education setting. To this end general and special education teachers are working closely to best meet the specific learning needs of all students within their classrooms. The course listing does offer the continuum of services including self-contained settings, co-taught subject specific courses and study skills classes. A student may participate in a combination of these settings along with general education courses based on their needs and IEP. The PPT is the vehicle to plan the most appropriate program for the student in the least restrictive environment with input from parents and school personnel who know the student best.
Special Education Programs:
In order to provide an appropriate education for these students, several different special education programs have been developed. A brief description of each program follows.
Study Skills grades 9-12:
This is a new course this year that is replacing the resource room/study skills model that we have offered in the past. The study skills program is a full year program where students can earn 1 credit and a letter grade. A portion of their grade will be determined by their application of skills learned to their content area classes.
Each student will develop an individualized goal for themselves which they will share with their content area teachers. The content area teachers will review these goals with the students and provide opportunities to practice the identified skills in the classroom setting. Students will then bring copies of their work from the classes to their study skills teacher to document their progress toward completion of their goals.
Topics that will be covered in the study skills courses include: self-awareness, self-determination and self-advocacy, goal setting, strategies and accommodations, organization and time management, career and transition planning/vocational skills and CAPT and SAT.
Special Needs Program: This program is open to students identified as intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled, and/or multiply handicapped. It provides academic instruction for basic skills in reading, math, and social skills that will prepare these students to become functioning members of our society. In addition, students involved in this program are provided with specific vocational training to help prepare them for work once they graduate from high school. Students involved in this program receive both academic and vocational training in this class. They often remain in high school until age 21, when they graduate and move on to new living and job situations.
Special Education Content Courses: Special Education courses are offered in English, math, social studies, and science for special education students who, because of their disability, would not be successful in specific academic areas. These courses follow the general education curriculum as closely as possible. However, modifications are made to the curriculum because these students have disabilities that would not allow them to be successful in a general education course. Students receive credit after successfully completing each special education course in which they are enrolled.
Collaborative Program: The purpose of a collaborative class is to include special education students in the regular education classroom. The special education and the general education teachers deliver instruction and modifications that will enhance student learning. Instruction centers on the regular education course curriculum with implementation of student modifications as deemed necessary. Collaborate course are offered in English, Math, Social Studies and science at different grade levels.