• Special Education

    Students with disabilities have a variety of course options at the high school level. The intent is to provide the maximum amount of participation in the general education setting through strategic interventions, collaborative teaching and direct instruction. Regular district assessments are administered.

    Students may participate in:

    • General education classes with support in a resource period. Focus is given to developing learning and study strategies. Students will be expected to define compensatory skills to facilitate active learning in the general education classroom setting. Class activities will include but not be limited to time management, goal setting, problem solving, assignment analysis and self-advocacy.
    • General education classes that are co-taught by a general education teacher and special education teacher. In a co- taught class, both teachers share instructional responsibilities for the students by co-planning, co-instructing and co- assessing.
    • Special education sections of core classes such as English or mathematics. These classes cover the same standards but may utilize materials with modified reading levels while using a slower pace to cover the standards. A students IEP must indicate a need in English or mathematics (reading and/or writing) to recommend placement in an English or mathematics resource classroom.

    Students with more severe disabilities may participate in an alternate curriculum focusing on alternate standards and functional living skills. Most instruction for these students is provided by a special education teacher in the core areas with the students participating in general education classes and activities as appropriate. Progress is measured using the state alternate assessment.

    The following special education programs are available in our building:

    • Resource: This program serves students with a variety of disabilities. Special education staff provides interventions, accommodations and modifications that support the students’ participation and progress in the general curriculum.
    • Behavioral Skills Program: This program focuses interventions on the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students while providing instruction to support the students’ participation and progress in the general curriculum. Behavior intervention plans are individualized to meet the needs of each student. Students are integrated into general education classrooms whenever possible.
    • Alternative Curriculum Program (ACP): This program serves students with multiple disabilities in an environment that supports students’ medical and sensory needs. The instructional program addresses the cognitive, communication, community, motor, self-help, social skills, and pre-vocational domains. Opportunities are provided to participate in activities with non-disabled peers.
    • Other Services Provided:  Assistive Technology, Hearing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Language, Vision

     

    Courses

     

    Affective Skills (9-12)

    This course addresses social skills that can be incorporated into the student’s daily living. A practical approach with group discussion and classroom participation is emphasized. Students are encouraged to explore problem solving skills, decision making skills, and skills for independence. Communication and positive self-esteem is fostered.

    Prerequisite: meets IEP requirements and teacher recommendation

    Course ID: 090751/090752

    Work Experience (11-12)

    Work Experience is offered to all students in the Special Education Program who are at least 17 or 11th grade and meet the guidelines established by the Omaha Public Schools. The first phase of this program involves on-the-job training and evaluation for which there is no pay. When a student has gained proficiency in skills and work attitudes, he/she is assisted in finding a paid position.

    Prerequisite: meets IEP requirements & teacher recommendation 

    Course ID: 100031/100032

    Reading S 1-2 (9-12)

    This course emphasizes word recognition, comprehension, reading experience and vocabulary development. The reading program is based on the identified individual needs of students. Teacher recommendation is required.

    Prerequisite: meets IEP requirements & teacher recommendation

    Course ID: 090321/090322