Special Education

Course Numbers: 5901 & 5902 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

This course incorporates reading, writing, and math into the transition domain of independent living skills. This course allows for multiple “hands on” opportunities in a variety of settings. Students will have access to the community, our kitchen and the classroom. The course is designed with a spiral teaching method. Skills are taught in small steps; adding more depth and requiring more independence as the student gains success. The course is intended for students who benefit from supported, multi-modal, hands-on, repeated academic instruction across a variety of settings. This course is intended to be a prerequisite to Life Skills Reading and Life Skills Math

Life Skills Reading

Course Numbers: 5301 & 5302 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

This course will focus on two primary areas: meeting Minnesota State Standards for the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), and developing functional reading, speaking, and writing skills that will allow students to be independent adults. Students will develop their understanding of short fiction and nonfiction passages. Passages and tasks may be accompanied by pictures, symbols, and/or objects. They will also learn speaking skills that enable them to express their own opinions about the things they read and to build on the opinions of other students during class discussion. In addition, students will learn vocabulary strategies that will improve their reading and writing abilities.

Life Skills Math

Course Numbers: 5401 & 5402 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only This course will focus on two primary areas: meeting Minnesota State standards for the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), and developing functional math skills that will allow students to be independent adults. Students will develop a basic understanding of concepts including linear functions, graphical methods, plane and solid geometric figures, and solving real world problems using algebraic and geometric methods. Students will also develop functional math skills including making change, telling time, and budgeting. Course Numbers: 5601 & 5602 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

This course will focus on an introduction to many of the Minnesota State Standards for science. The curriculum has been divided into six focus areas including animals, plants, hygiene, nutrition, weather, and the human body.

Life Skills Transitions

Course Numbers: 5905 & 5906 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

This course focuses on the transition domains of post secondary education, employment and independent living skills. While this course will address the first two domains, the primary focus will be on the attainment of independent living skills. The course will address self advocacy, consumer math, meal planning, nutrition, personal safety, social skills, and communication. Students will also learn about internet safety while utilizing technology in meaningful ways. The course allows for multiple “hands on” opportunities in a variety of settings. Students will have the opportunity to utilize skills in the community, our kitchen and the classroom.

Life Skills Plus

Course Numbers: 5926 & 5927 Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

Life Skills Plus will consist of 10-12 grade students who receive special education services within Irondale High School’s Life Skills Program and 11-12 grade general education peer leaders. The Life Skills Plus students will be paired with general education peer mentors who have been referred by administration/support services personnel. Peer Mentors must complete an application process to be selected and the ideal Mentor profile is a student who is interested in either education or personal care career pathways work.

Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE)

Course Numbers: 5501 & 5502 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: Qualify for DAPE Services via Special Education Evaluation Process

Students in this course follow the Minnesota State standards in the area of Physical Education, while increasing their physical fitness through a variety of activities including team sports, individual sports and recreational activities

Course Numbers: 4308 & 4309 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only In this English Language Arts course, student will increase their reading comprehension skills using a variety of before, during, and after reading strategies. By the end of the course, students will be able to use strategies to independently: identify the central idea, summarize text, determine word meaning/choice, and make an inference in informational and literary texts.

Literature Skills 3A

Course Numbers: 5315 Grades: 11, 12 Credit: .5 Note: By referral only Designed to help students understand and apply basic skills in reading a variety of literature. This course incorporates state standards in English Language Arts. Students will be able to determine a theme or central idea of a text, identify supporting details, cite textual evidence, make inferences and predictions, analyze an author’s purpose and point of view, and describe a character’s internal (moral) conflicts. Students will learn to write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences and events, use narrative techniques to engage the reader (i.e. hooks, descriptive language, reflections), and make smooth transitions to convey proper sequencing. Students will also develop grammar skills through structured sentence writing and vocabulary expansion.

Literature Skills 3B

Course Numbers: 5316 Grades: 11, 12 Credit: .5 Note: By referral only Designed to help students understand and apply basic skills in reading a variety of literature. This course incorporates state standards in English Language Arts. Students will be able to determine a theme or central idea of a text, identify supporting details, cite textual evidence, make inferences and predictions, analyze an author’s purpose and point of view, and describe a character’s internal (moral) conflicts. Students will learn to write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences and events, use narrative techniques to engage the reader (i.e. hooks, descriptive language, reflections), and make smooth transitions to convey proper sequencing. Students will also develop grammar skills through structured sentence writing and vocabulary expansion. Course Numbers: 5405 & 5406 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only Students develop mathematical problem solving skills using whole numbers, fractions, percents, rates, ratios, proportions, and exponents. Students will understand the meanings of mathematical operations and how they relate to one another. Students will use and apply real world meanings to mathematical situations, including word problems. Students will also understand the basic principles of algebraic equations including one and two step equations, functions, and the coordinate graph system. Social Studies Skills 1

Course Numbers: 5701 & 5702 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only Social studies skills introduces students to a wide variety of topics including the five themes of geography and fun- damental concepts of micro/macro economics. The coursework is modified to meet the needs of the students.

Science Skills

Course Numbers: 5603 & 5604 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only This course will focus on meeting Minnesota State Standards in the core area of science. Students will understand basic scientific principles and how these principles relate to the world. Students will demonstrate proficiency in multiple science standards including the scientific method, plant and animal structures, positive and negative impacts to an ecosystems, and physical traits.

Study Skills

Course Numbers: 5915 & 5916 Grades: 9, 10, 10, 11 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only (1 or 2 Semesters) Designed for students who need specialized tutoring to become independent learners. Students earn .5 credit per class per semester

Continuing Academic Support Team (CAST)

Course Numbers: 5931 & 5932 Grades: 10 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

The goal of CAST is to provide targeted academic support to students in either 10th or 11th grade. Students are provided structured work time with support in core academic areas. Students are assisted with grade checks and support for homework, studying, and organizational skills.

Course Numbers: 5909 & 5910 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

This class is designed for students whose identified area of disability is on the Autism Spectrum. Students are provided individualized academic support and direct instruction of social skills is provided on a small group basis.

Raising Individual Success Everyday (RISE)

Course Numbers: 5919 & 5920 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only

RISE is a special education service/intervention offered for students who meet the behavioral and educational needs of at-risk special education students. Students will receive direct instruction with a curriculum which coincides with goals that include, but are not limited to: social skills, behavior modification through the use of coping strategies, self-advocacy and organization while being provided with academic support.

Pre-Vocational Skills

Course Numbers: 5801 & 5802 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only Students must be receiving Special Education Services through Irondale High School Life Skills Program

Pre-vocational skills expose students to job readiness by setting the stage for students to build confidence and improve their communication skills. Students participate in hands-on, pre-vocational training in the areas of clerical/mail delivery, hospitality/coffee cart, and environmental/school wide recycling.

Vocational Skills

Course Numbers: 5803 & 5804 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only Students must be receiving Special Education Services through Irondale High School Life Skills Program

Vocational Skills helps students to develop career and life skills that will help them with obtaining and maintaining employment. Students learn and develop personal and performance skills, as well as employability skills necessary for the world of work while participating in a business simulation within the school or community employment setting Course Numbers: 5805 & 5806 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: By referral only Students must be receiving Special Education Services through Irondale High School Life Skills Program

This course prepares the student to hold a job during their high school day through the development of skills for the workplace within the community and/or employment settings. Students are provided with necessary supports to increase their work readiness skills. Students may participate in one to three class periods.

Work-Based Learning Seminar

Course Numbers: 5811 & 5812 Grades: 11, 12 Credit: .5 - 1.0 Note: By referral only

This course provides students with the skills necessary for securing and maintaining employment. Some of the course activities will include completing vocational assessments, online job applications and investigating career options. Other activities include guest speakers, mock interviewing and volunteering opportunities weekly. Employment topics, and post-secondary education options will be discussed on a continuing basis. Students will create a resume, learn interviewing techniques and gain real world employment skills while working in the community. A hybrid version of this class is available if needed.

Work-Based Learning On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Course Numbers: 5813 & 5814 Grades: 11, 12 credit 0.5 up to 2.0 Note: By referral only

Work-Based Learning OJT enables students to develop employment skills at an off campus work site while earning school credit as part of the school day or after school hours. As part of this course, students are expected to have a job. To receive the Work-Based Learning credit, a student must work a minimum of 10 hours per week and remain employed for the duration of the course. The student is required to complete a training agreement and training plan, in addition to documenting hours worked during the week. The work coordinator will work directly with the student to find a suitable part-time work site. The work coordinator will work with the employer to evaluate work performance and visit the work site to observe the student worker.