Special Education Applied Skills Curriculum

The applied-skills curriculum emphasizes basic academic skills as well as functional and daily/independent living skills. Course success is evaluated through the use of the IEP process. Applied-skills courses may be used by students pursuing a Certificate of Completion. At the high school level, applied-skills courses earn elective graduation credit and may also be used in a diploma-bound course of study.

Instructional materials used for applied-skills instruction at the elementary level may vary from those specified in the general education program, based on program guidelines and individual needs. Special education teachers may modify criteria for success as appropriate to the entry-level skills of the students within each subject and grade.

The following guidelines apply to the secondary applied-skills curriculum:

• Letter grades are recommended and are determined according to teacher's judgment of student's achievement of course outcomes as documented by successful completion of applied curriculum teaching modules.
• Students completing the applied-skills course of study must earn a total of 44 semester credits in grades 9–12.
• Drug and sex education are offered by appropriate district staff at the designated grade level(s).
• Students are offered computer experiences.
• A race/human relations component is taught in the history–social science courses, following special education guidelines.
• Work experience(s) is offered through a variety of courses. School sites are encouraged to offer work-experience opportunities.

The titles and course numbers of secondary applied-skills courses are shown in the table below and are described in the following pages. For information on courses included in the table below but without descriptions, please contact the Special Education Program Division at (619) 725-7700.

All courses within the 7000 series are the responsibility of the Executive Director, Special Education Program Division.