Special Education Course Descriptions

VV010ARTS AND CRAFTS5

A course designed to teach special education students how to use various techniques, materials, tools, and equipment in the production of decorative and useful handcrafted items. The types of projects assigned will be related to the individual student's needs and abilities. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to teach the special education student the basics of photography. The extent to which the student progresses will be related to his intellectual ability and the sophistication of the equipment and facilities available for his use. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This one-semester course for special education students is designed to acquaint them with their vocational potentials, aptitudes and attitudes as they relate to the world of work. Slice of Life modules will be included. When practical or feasible, this course should be offered in conjunction with concurrent enrollment in work study or on-campus work exploration. (Course may be repeated for additional credit).

A one-semester course designed to teach special education students to travel independently using public transportation and pedestrian skills. Students will develop the necessary skills to safely and appropriately walk beside and across public roadways and intersections. They will also develop the necessary skills to ride buses, taxis, and/or bicycles to potential places of employment, points of interest, job sites, schools and other predetermined locations. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

The purpose of this one-semester course is to provide work exploration on the local school campus for special education students. It is a cooperative program between the student, the advocate teacher, and the school. Students will perform assigned tasks under the supervision of classified personnel. A weekly evaluation will be made to ascertain students' potential and interest in the occupation being explored. Students are considered volunteers and will not be paid by the school. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

VV055OFF-CAMPUS WORK EXPLORATION 5

The purpose of this one-semester class is to provide off-campus work exploration for special education students. It is a cooperative program between the student, parent, Special Education Career Development Specialist, and a community-based work site supervisor. A weekly evaluation will be made to ascertain students' potential and interest in the occupation being explored. Students will not be paid by the employer. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

The purpose of this course is to provide special education students with the opportunity to work in an occupation of interest and for them to receive an hourly wage commensurate with their productivity and progress. This is a cooperative program between the Special Education Career Development Specialist, the parent, the student, and the employer. A weekly evaluation will be made to monitor progress and establish salary. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity to assess the job attitudes of students while observing them in a realistic work setting. This course is taught in the Work Training Center and includes aptitude testing as well as work sampling and production tasks. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This one-semester course is designed for special education students who show potential for competitive employment but need to adjust their skills to competitive standards. Students will develop skills in six major areas: Attendance and Punctuality; Personal Appearance and Grooming; Conduct; Social; Independence; and Production. Students will receive a wage commensurate with a daily evaluation of development and production. Course is normally taken for two consecutive periods and is conducted at the Grossmont Work Training Center. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

The purpose of this course is to improve communication skills, develop typing proficiency adequate for personal needs, and develop sufficient confidence in typing for use as a salable skill. The ability level of each student enrolled in the course will determine the emphasis of the instruction. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

VV080EXPLORATORY BUSINESS SKILLS 5

This course is designed to develop an awareness of business organization and the basic skills needed in a business office. Knowledge gained in this course will also be of assistance to the students in managing their own affairs as an adult. The degree of success attained in this exploratory course will help determine the extent to which the student could profit from participation in the courses offered in the business departments of the regular high schools. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This is a course tailor-made to the individual needs of handicapped students who exhibit severe communication disorders as a result of cerebral palsy, aphasia, severe hearing loss and mental retardation. It encompasses the development of everyday English sounds, words, phrases and sentences needed in practical situations at school, home and protected work settings.

A course designed to develop basic reading skills of special education students through an individualized approach. Methods and materials used will be selected from many sources and will be suited to the particular needs of the student. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to assist special education students in developing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to the extent necessary for their functioning in the adult world. Instruction may be individual and/or group and will be related to the student's abilities and needs. Units earned will count toward the graduation requirement for English. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A semesterized course sequence for special education students to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The courses are roughly parallel to the regular education English program including concepts covered, core literature, and program emphasis. English 1-2 covers 9th grade concepts(E1). English 3-4 covers 10th grade concepts (E2). English 5-6 covers 11th grade concepts (E3); and English 7-8 covers English elective (E0).

VVl30BRAILLE5

The purpose of the course is to teach congenitally and adventitiously blind students, and those in immediate danger of losing their sight, to read and write Grade l and Grade 2 braille. The course content involves recognizing braille letters by name and dot number, all braille signs, contractions, and short- form words, and the rules regarding their proper usage. Written braille to be taught using a braille writer and/or slate and stylus, depending upon the needs and ability of the student. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to teach special education students the basic skills involved in creating useful and decorative items from various types of fabrics. To the extent that the student is physically and mentally capable, instruction will include: properties, weaves, and care of various types of fabrics; consumer education in selection and care of clothing; operation and care of the sewing machine; use and care of basic sewing equipment; wardrobe planning; grooming; and preparation to enter clothing classes offered in the regular high school home economics departments. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to teach special education students skills needed for purchase, preparation, and serving meals in a family setting or an independent living environment. To the extent that the student is physically and mentally capable, instruction will include: basic nutrition, consumer education, use of kitchen equipment and appliances, kitchen safety, use of recipes, table setting, serving, clean-up, and preparation to enter foods classes offered in the regular high school home economics department. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to acquaint special education students with the tools of the construction trades. Specific projects related to construction occupations and home maintenance will be accomplished by students. There will also be a unit in shop safety included in the course. The extent to which students achieve success in this course will determine whether participation in regular high school industrial arts, vocational, or ROP classes is practical. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to acquaint special education students with materials, processes, tools, and equipment used in metal working and wood working. Success in this course would prepare a student for participation in a regular high school woodworking or metals class. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

These one-semester courses are designed to assist Special Education students in developing basic arithmetic skills to the extent necessary for their functioning in the adult world. Instruction may be individualized and/or group and will be related to the student's abilities and needs. The first five credits in each course apply toward the 30 unit graduation requirement. The student may re-enroll in these courses for elective credit.

This is the first of four semester courses in the math competency sequence. In addition to individualized instruction in general math concepts, the course includes instruction in statistical and geometric concepts. Passing grades in all of the courses in this sequence (V186-V187-V188-V189) meet the math competency requirement for graduation. The four courses may be taken in any order.

This course provides instruction in percents, discounts and interest in addition to individualized instruction in general math concepts. It is one of the four semester courses in the math competency sequence (refer to V186).

This course provides instruction in the calculation and use of measuring systems. It also provides individualized instruction in general math concepts. It is one of the four semester courses in the math competency sequence (refer to V186).

This course provides instruction in topics of personal business to include filing a tax return and solving word problems related to daily living. It also provides individualized instruction in general math concepts. It is one of the four semester courses in the math competency sequence (refer to V186).

VVl90MATHEMATICS5

A course designed to assist special education students in developing basic arithmetic skills to the extent necessary for their functioning in the adult world. Instruction may be individual and/or group and will be related to the student's abilities and needs. The first ten units earned will be elective credits. Subsequent units earned will meet the graduation requirement for mathematics. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

After June 16, 1995, Special Education will no longer be using the V190 course number for general Special Education math credit. It will be replaced by V184, V185 General Math. However, the V190 course needs to be kept on transcripts since it will need to be counted as math credits for graduation.

Four-semester course which fulfills the District competency requirement in mathematics. It is designed to implement various teaching strategies such as: cooperative learning, integrated instruction, projects, projects and investigations, and use of manipulatives. In addition to individualized instruction in general math concepts, each semester has designated units which must be completed with a passing grade to meet the requirements. The semesters may be taken out of sequence with the exception of V191 which introduces some conceptual ideas and skills needed for success in subsequent semesters. Satisfactory completion of two V number Math A courses satisfies one semester of the Math A competency requirement as follows:

VV200CONSUMER MATH5

A course designed to assist special education students in developing skills in the use of money. Instruction will include projects in counting money and making change; comparison shopping; managing a personal budget and bank account; computation of pay checks; and the wide use of credit. Individual student's projects will be related to their abilities and needs. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed to stimulate the appreciation for all types of music. To the extent that the student is physically and mentally capable, instruction will include listening to recordings; attending performances; learning about composers; a study of American folk music; reading music; singing simple songs; and playing simple songs on the guitar or other instruments. This course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.) VV220ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY5

A program of individualized instruction which will enable blind and visually handicapped students to orient themselves and to travel safely, effectively, and efficiently in various environments by maximum utilization of the remaining senses and of sensory aids and devices. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course individually designed for special education students who lack skills in caring for their own personal needs. Content of the course is related to specific objectives identified in admission committee meetings or at end-of-year reviews. Specific units of instruction might include eating, walking, hygiene, grooming, dressing, etc. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course designed for special education students who lack appropriate skills or have negative self-images to such an extent that they cannot succeed in a regular physical education class, but are not qualified for participation in remedial physical education. The basic purpose of the course is for students to enhance their self-images through a series of successful experiences in the development of physical coordination and strength. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A one-semester course designed for special education students to develop safe driving, pedestrian, bicycling, and motorcycle skills. A study of the California Vehicle Code will be included through the use of techniques appropriate to the students' learning modes. The orientation of the course is to develop an awareness of the complexity of modern traffic and the ability to make judgments and decisions which are appropriate to the situation. Students who are unable to complete the Motor Vehicle Department written tests will receive assistance in preparing for the oral tests. Completion of this course will satisfy the district check-off graduation requirement. This class may be repeated one time for credit.

A one-semester course designed for special education students to help them learn how to care for their bodies. Depending upon the intellectual and physical limitations of the students, the course will include the following units: nutrition, hygiene, common diseases and illnesses, physical fitness, appropriate use of drugs and medicines, purchasing and using health and hygiene aids, alcohol and tobacco. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.).

VV276BIOLOGY 15
VV277BIOLOGY 2 5

A two-semester course for students in special education programs who would experience difficulty in meeting the requirements of Biology 1R and 2R. It embodies nearly all concepts contained in the district outline for life science. The course text is one which was selected for its appropriateness for learning handicapped and remedial students, and includes limited laboratory demonstrations in life science. This course will meet the Life Science graduation requirement. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A course for special education students designed to integrate basic functional activities with diminishing supervision. Emphasis will be placed upon mobility training and pedestrian safety awareness to predetermined destinations in the community. The curriculum will include, but not be limited to, activities such as meal planning, shopping, cooking, and eating at a restaurant. These and other activities will be addressed stressing rudimentary skills and acceptable behavior, as well as maximizing preparation for independent living. The course may be repeated for credit.

A year course for special education students designed to integrate functional activities emphasizing self-sufficiency. This course further develops skills related to activities included in COMMUNITY EDUCATION 1. It expands upon basic knowledge and skills in the use of public transportation and pedestrian travel, encouraging student independence and decision-making. It includes the use of transfers, acquisition of bus information, and use of public transportation for non-school related activities. Students will also learn to use community resources to obtain useful information in maximizing preparation for independent living. The course may be repeated for credit.

A two-semester course designed to help special education students learn about the relationship between themselves and their environment, both natural and man-made. The basic concepts of physical and cultural geography will be related to local features with expansion to a study of the United States and other parts of the world being included for those students whose intellectual capacities permit. Much of the emphasis will be placed on making and using visual representations of geographical data and features. Geography 1 includes the first exposure to civic and economic literacy concepts.

VV315INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY CONCEPTS 15

A required one-semester course designed for 9th grade special education students whose reading skills indicate a need for activities designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles to develop social science skills. The course emphasizes regional geography, with attention to the influence of physical features of the region on the lives of the people. Students review the geography of Anglo-America and engage in an in-depth study of three selected geographic regions. Students develop basic social science skills, including use and interpretation of maps. Place and name recognition is stressed.

A two-semester course with instruction of U.S. History in the 20th century designed for special education students. It is a study of the people, times, events, and contributions found in American traditions which have enabled our country to achieve greatness. With consideration given to the learning characteristics of the students, critical thinking and analytical questioning will be utilized to understand the relationship between the past and the present. It is the intent of this course to follow, as closely as possible, the California Model Curriculum Standards.

A two-semester survey course designed to provide an introduction to world history and physical and cultural geography. This course is designed to provide additional reading skill support and pacing for special education students. This course satisfies district and state requirements for two semesters of instruction in world history, culture, and geography.

A two-semester course designed to help special education students develop an appreciation for an understanding of people, times, and events which have contributed to the development of the modern American society. As much as the intellectual capacities of the students will permit, they will use critical thinking and analytical questioning to understand the relationship between the past and the present. U.S. History 1 will include additional civic and economic literacy concepts.

A one-semester course designed for special education students who have reading problems which could present difficulties in dealing with the subject matter. The course will include allocation of resources, distribution of income, money and banking, forms of business, as well as practical applications to consumer economics. The course will be taught with a view for developing student critical thinking and communication skills and questioning.

VV341CIVICS 15

A one-semester course designed to help special education students understand American political, social, and economic institutions as they relate to the local, state, and national government. Students will become acquainted with various governmental representatives, agencies, and offices, as they relate to citizens, which are located in the San Diego area. This course can be used for credit in order to meet graduation requirements only by students with a Class Key of 1984 or earlier.

A one-semester course designed to help special education students understand the basic facts, principles, and concepts of human behavior as they apply to modern American society. As much as the intellectual levels of the students permit, they will seek to identify problems existing in current American society and use critical thinking, communication, data gathering, and analytical questioning to study possible solutions to the problems. This course can be used for credit in order to meet graduation requirements only by students with a Class Key of 1984 or earlier.

A one-semester course designed for non-college bound 11th and 12th grade special education student. The materials and pacing of the class are designed to accommodate reading problems. This course examines the origin, development, structure, and operations of all levels of government in the United States. This course contrasts democratic and totalitarian systems, examines the constitutional foundations, and focuses attention upon the three branches of government at both federal and state levels. Emphasis on current events and their relationship to government is stressed.

A course designed to help special education students understand the contributions of such fields as art, music, literature, and architecture to the development of man and his civilization. To the extent that the intellectual capacities of the students will permit, they will relate these contributions to current human values. This course meets the fine arts graduation requirement. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This one-semester course is for special education students who would experience difficulty in meeting the requirements for computer literacy. It is designed to teach students the fundamental concepts involved in using the computer for applications in and out of school; to recognize the technological advances that produced the modern day computer; to learn about the variety of computer applications; to recognize the value of the computer in problem solving; to know the career opportunities in computer technology; and to communicate with the computer through computer programming language. This course meets the graduation requirement in computer literacy. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

VV380CAREER/FAMILY STUDIES5

This one-semester course is for special education students who would experience difficulty in meeting the requirements in Career/Family Studies 1. This course includes specific instruction related to the designated district concepts and competencies in the areas of family studies, career planning, and consumer education. Included in this course will be instruction in venereal disease, drug abuse, pregnancy, family planning, and child abuse. Students will develop an improved understanding in self-concepts and personal worth and an insight toward his/her responsibility to self and society. This course is required for graduation and although offered in grades 10, 11, and 12, it is planned for students at the 10th grade level. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This course provides beginning level English-as-a-Second- Language instruction for the limited-English-speaking student who also has been identified as having learning handicaps. These handicaps limit the student's potential for developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Student placement in this course should be based on standard procedures for development of the IEP. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

A one-semester course for students in special education programs who would experience difficulty in meeting the requirements of Earth Science 1R. The course text is one which was selected for its appropriateness for learning handicapped students and includes limited laboratory demonstrations in Earth Science. This course will meet the Physical Science graduation requirement when taken with one semester of Physical Science 1 (V420).

A one-semester course for students in special education programs who would experience difficulty in meeting the requirements of Physical Science 1R. The course text is one which was selected for its appropriateness for learning handicapped students and includes limited laboratory demonstrations in Physical Science. This course will meet the Physical Science graduation requirement when taken with one semester of Earth Science 1 (V410).

This one-semester course is designed to give special education students skills which will enable them to become increasingly independent with regard to menu planning and preparation, shopping for food, and budgeting. This course also includes instruction in nutrition and consumer awareness. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

VV440FIRST AID METN/C

Completion of this graduation requirement by a special education student who has not met the first aid requirement through a regular ninth grade P.E. class may be accomplished as follows: 1) independent study under the supervision of a special education teacher, 2) completion of the American Red Cross first aid course, as verified by the ARC Certificate, or 3) completion of the first aid unit within a given special education course. This course carries no credit.

This one-semester course is for students in special education who need specific and direct instruction in study skills. The study skills taught will increase the student's ability to succeed in classes in regular education. The course will focus on study habits and time management, learning strategies to compensate for learning disabilities, note-taking, memory improvement, test- taking skills, and library and reference skills. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

This course is designed to develop students' self understanding and their relationship to their social community. The curriculum content areas incorporated include, but are not limited to, relating in a positive manner with others, understanding individual differences, establishing a realistic self image, understanding and accepting personal responsibility, developing interpersonal and social manners, developing and understanding relationships, abuse awareness, and establishing positive assertive behaviors.

Provides for a reduced day through IEP action.

Students enrolled in this program will be assigned to individual instructors to develop an educational program. Enrollment and completion of this course will achieve 2.5 credits. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

Students enrolled in this program will be assigned to individual instructors to develop an educational program. The instructor will designate the number of credits (normally 5 per semester). (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

VV850TRANSFER COURSE5

This course has been taken by a student who has been attending a school outside the Grossmont District. The subject matter field has been identified, however, the course description or title is not readily matched with a course in the Grossmont District Master Course Title Book. Elective credit has been granted.

This is a second semester transfer course. In cases where students remain in the same subject matter field during the second semester, using this course identification will allow a more accurate recognition of the course work.