Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
(I.E.P. students only)
The Special Services Department endeavors to provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a way that accommodates their individual needs. The basic goal of the Special Services Department is to provide I.E.P. students with an opportunity to work on skills associated with academic, vocational, social, and behavioral needs. The underlying emphasis for this program is to prepare students for life after high school. This preparation can be for college, work, or other individually designed goals.
Entrance into the program is by referral through the Olympia School District Special Services or the natural progression of a student already having an I.E.P. from middle school. Based on the referral process, which includes a detailed assessment covering basic academic skills and career education, individual goals and objectives are designed for each student as part of the student’s Individual Educational Plan and Individual Transition Plan (I.E.P./I.T.P.). Students and parents are involved in the initial I.E.P. conference and in annual conferences thereafter. At this conference, yearly goals and objectives are carefully reviewed. The process satisfies requirements as defined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.).
English Fundamentals
Credit: English
Prerequisite: I.E.P. Placement
Length: 1year
Grade: 9,10,11,12
This is a multi-grade, special education class with a focus on improving reading and writing skills. Students will learn necessary written skills for a variety of expository writing. Students will participate in active reading strategies to evaluate and monitor reading progress and to set goals toward grade-level expectations.
Math Lab
Credit: Math
Prerequisite: I.E.P. Placement
Length: 1 year
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Math Lab is a year-long class that satisfies a high school math credit. This course focuses on high school math standards for Algebra I and Geometry skills. Coursework is modified to meet each student’s learning needs as well as grade level expectations for high school students. Students will learn to use tools necessary for success in math as well as incorporating “real world” math skills such as budgeting and percentages.
Life Skills Classes
The Life Skills Program provides a variety of opportunities and experiences to facilitate increased knowledge and independence for all students. Specific skills are taught both individually and in groups and are generalized through functional class and community based activities.
Career Education and Exploration
Credit: Elective
Prerequisite: IEP Placement
Length: 1 semester
Grade Level: 11, 12
This class is designed to allow junior and senior IEP students to explore options after high school, which may include work, additional schooling or training. The course blends psychology, vocational assessment and personal growth exercises in an effort to determine what vocations fit the individual student. Everything from tax forms to interpersonal relationships at work is discussed in class. The Senior Culminating Project, a graduation requirement, will be supported in this class.
Transition Program
Length: This program is for students ages 18-21.
The transition program, located at South Puget Sound Community College and a community residence, is a program for students with developmental disabilities who are ready to concentrate on a community-based functional approach to learning. Students receive assistance in the following areas: vocational training and job exploration, job readiness skills, independent living skills, leisure/recreation, transportation, and continuing education. The goal of the program is to assist students and their families in developing and establishing support leading to active participation in the community.
Alternative Senior Social Studies A, B
Credit: Social Studies
Prerequisite: I.E.P. Placement
Length: 1year
Grade level: 12
This is a year-long class where students study topics that prepare them for life after high school. Civics, current world problems, community, national and international issues will be studied. Through the use of news media and research, students will analyze media bias and learn about a variety of news sources. Students will study economics and trade as it applies to the U.S. and the world.
Students will also study human development, communication, parenting and social skills needed for life. This course is required for graduation by the state.
Alternative U. S. History A, B
Credit: Social Studies
Prerequisite: I.E.P. Placement
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10, 11
This course reviews U. S. History from colonial times to the present. The first semester moves from colonial times through World War I. The second semester goes from WWI to the present. Emphasis throughout is on how present situations, policies and conditions have bee shaped by past events and contributions from diverse racial, social, cultural and economic groups.
Alternative World History A, B – Asian, Third World, Western Civilization
Credit: Social Studies
Prerequisite: I.E.P. Placement
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10, 11
This course is designed to give students a well-rounded investigation into the history, geography, and culture of various areas in the world. During one semester students will study Asian and Middle East societies and history. The other semester is devoted to the study of Western Europe and the history and societies of Africa and Latin America.