Warren Hills Regional School District

Warren Hills Regional Middle School
Course of Study 2008-09

Department of Special Education *

While it is always the intent to maximize student placement in the least restrictive environment with age appropriate, non-handicapped peers, schedules for students receiving special services support are highly varied and individualized. The levels of special services course offerings are also varied to accommodate student needs.

Level I: Specialized Programs - Learning Disabilities; Behavioral Disabilities; Multiple Disabilities; and Autistic

Level II: Self contained classes for replacement core content including Language Arts Literacy, Math, Science, and Civics

Level III: In Class Support/Supplemental Instruction services in general education classes.

9810 Language Arts Literacy 7 & 8
The seventh and eighth grade Language Arts Literacy course is a 2-block total developmental language arts program. Emphasis is placed upon mastering reading, written and oral language skills through an emphasis on skill development in reading, comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, sentence structure, and grammatical usage. The program focuses on preparing the students for entry into, at minimum, the In-Class Support level of general education Language Arts Literacy classes.

9900 Mathematics 7 & 8
Students placed in this course are offered the opportunity to become more skilled in mathematics processing and problem solving. Mathematics 7 & 8 is required for students who have standardized test scores significantly below grade level in math concepts and math problem solving. This program focuses on preparing students for entry into the In-Class Support level of general education mathematics classes through an emphasis on skill development in math reasoning, whole numbers, decimals, fractions, basic geometry, measurement, integers, and basic algebra. Added emphasis will address reading and writing as it relates specifically to math as well as intensive preparation for standardized testing formats.

9910 Science 7 & 8
Science 7 & 8 is designed to make the student aware of the basic concepts of life, earth and physical science. This includes some emphasis on the study of ecological principles, including the effects of human activity on the environment.

9830 Civics 8
This course focuses attention on local, state and national governmental institutions, policies and processes. By the end of the course the students should know what government is and what it should do; the basic history values and principles of American democracy; how the government established by the Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy; citizenship and how citizens and groups can effectively participate in the democratic process.

9292 Health 8
Eighth grade health includes instruction on substance abuse, emotions and mental health, coping skills, community health resources and personal skills. A comprehensive family life unit is also taught. Family life education addresses the subjects of gender roles, human growth and development, male and female reproductive systems, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, sexual behavior and responsibility, abstinence, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Because Health 8- is a course containing both males and females in the same class, some of the more sensitive content covered in the general homogenous classes will not be covered in this class.

9972 Learning Disabilities Program (grades 7 & 8)
This is a comprehensive program, which includes instruction in all the core academics. The emphasis is on developing independent academic skills, school-related organization, and a sound work ethic.

9890 (7th grade), 9895 (8th grade) Study Skills
This course is designed to provide all students with opportunities to establish a sound educational foundation in understanding oneself as a learner and to strengthen personal self-advocacy with regards to academic success. Students are taught how to study, improve organization of schoolwork, prepare reports, take tests and recall information. They learn about their personal approach to learning, which includes learning style, strengths, weaknesses, methods of compensation, and how to advocate appropriately and proactively in a school setting.

In-Class Support/Supplemental Instruction Program (grades 7-8)
This is a collaborative teaching program in selected classes throughout the middle and high school curriculums. Teaching partnerships combine a regular and a special educator/supplemental instructor who work as a team in a designated subject. Such an arrangement allows students with learning disabilities to receive the assistance needed for achievement in the general education curriculum. In these classes, all students are expected to master the goals of the general curriculum and to participate in all activities and requirements of the class.

9980 Multiple Disabilities Program (grades 7-8)
The emphasis in this program is to develop life skills necessary for transition to adult life. Clusters of instruction incorporate self-determination, employability skills, and functional academics. The program stresses skills necessary for successful community functioning.

9987 Behavioral Disabilities Program (grades 7-8)
This is a program which encompasses instruction in English, math, history, science, and pro-social skills, for students who benefit from direct instruction in small contained learning environments. This program stresses the development of personal responsibility and social and emotional development within the context of family, school, and community.

9988 Autistic Program (grades 7-8)
This highly individualized program focuses on daily life skills, effective basic communication, independence, and pre-vocational preparation. The academic offerings include language arts, math, social studies, pro-social, and science.