Special Education
Casco Bay High School welcomes Special Education students! Our faculty is highly skilled at differentiating curriculum and instruction to meet diverse learners’ needs, and our percentage of special education students is reflective of the district; however, we do not currently have the resources to staff any self-contained behavioral or academic programs. Many of our freshmen and sophomores with IEP’s do access the courses described below. Additional academic support is available for juniors and seniors as well, but the focus is less on skill development and more on helping students be successful in core academic classes (and this support is not credit-bearing).
Executive Skills
This two-credit elective course is designed for freshmen with IEP's who need to develop further the organizational talents which are often called “Executive Skills,” from time management to goal setting. Under the guidance of a special educator, students develop the key executive skills and habits of work that will help them be successful in rigorous, mainstream core classes, especially humanities and math. Students also have an opportunity to receive additional academic support. Each trimester, students must meet all executive skills standards in order to pass. The executive skills standards include: goal-directed action, task initiation & completion, flexibility, time management, work organization, emotional management, using an agenda, and thinking before acting.
Literacy Support
This two-credit elective course is for students with IEP's who need additional support and skill development to meet the reading and writing standards in core content courses. The focus will be on cultivating the literacy and writing skills required most frequently in our Humanities courses.
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic, logic, and number theory are the foundations of math, and understanding of these topics, will lead to eventual mastery of algebra, statistics, and calculus. Pre-algebra focuses on numeracy, fluency, and problem solving. This course will include a close study of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, integer operations, inequalities, linear models, exponents, polynomials, and basic algebra. This class will engage students by drawing on examples of math in nature and society. Instruction will include the use of manipulative’s, technology, as well as individualized course work. Pre-algebra will instill interest, as well as confidence with difficult mathematical concepts, giving students the tools they need to succeed in the world of mathematics.