Special Education

The goal of the Academic Lab is to assist in the education of students who have been identified as having mild to moderate disabilities by providing intensive academic support services. Instructional services include:

1. Academic skill instruction

2. Learning and organizing strategies

3. Instruction in compensatory skills

4. Executive functioning skills

5. College/Career/Life Skills planning and Transition Instruction

6. Collaboration with content area teachers and staff

7. Consultation with subject teachers, key staff and parents.

Special Education teachers monitor the implementation and coordination of the students Individualized Education Plan and act as case manager for the student. Each of the five houses has two Academic Labs.

The Center offers courses that are designed for students requiring high levels of academic and/or social- emotional support to meet the high school graduation competencies. Through the program based structure, students develop skills in the following areas:

• Self management and independence
• Peer and adult relationships
• Academic excellence
• Preparation for post secondary experiences

All courses align with GHS curriculum standards and receive high school credit. Students work with Center Faculty to create a course of study that meets their individual learning and social emotional needs.  

A constellation of supports for students with higher level social skill and behavioral needs. Students access the general education curriculum with individualized modifications and accommodations. There is an emphasis on social thinking and behavior regulation, which includes social skills training, an awareness of sensory needs, and a small, safe environment for behavioral interventions. The program includes a check-in and check-out daily with special education teacher and support staff. Students will also receive vocational and higher level independent living skills training, through a collaborative team approach.

Activities of Daily Living

This course is intended to be taken with the Functional Math course, due to the time required to participate in community-based learning. Lessons are focused on topics that include Community Resources, Socialization, and Community Safety. This course is designed to develop life skills necessary to enhance/increase students’ independence in real world setting. Students participate in lessons using a variety of strategies including: video modeling, technology, and role play. Students in this class are often involved in the Come Together Club. This club facilitates socialization at lunch with non-disabled peers. Some of the skills addressed include: Food preparation, Clothing, Money and Finance, Vocational preparation, Health, Travel and Transportation, Community Resources, Community Signs, and Safety.

Functional Math

This course is designed to develop the math skills necessary in to develop students’ independence in the real world. This course is intended to be taken with the Activities of Daily Living course, due to the time required to participate in community-based learning. Some of the topics addressed in this course include: Money, Counting Change, Time, Calendar, Graphs, Budgeting, Comparison Shopping, Coupons, Tax, Banking, Checks, Paychecks.