The Special Education Department at Mica Mountain High School offers selected courses for students who have an IEP. These courses are aligned to Arizona Academic Standards and are designed to meet students’ needs as specified in their IEP. In addition to the following courses, cooperative classes combine Special Education and Regular Education, so students can receive content instruction from a teacher specializing in that content area, as well as support from Special Education teachers. This allows students to receive targeted support while being present in the classroom with their peers, in the Least Restrictive Environment. Paraprofessional support for students will be provided within the classroom.

Electives

Academic Support

Academic Support is a specialized study hall designed for students with an IEP enrolled in General Education courses. During the Academic Support class, students receive the individual support that they need to complete class assignments and homework.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites:Teacher recommendation required

Adaptive Physical Education

This is a specialized P.E. class designed for students with multi-handicaps. Nondisabled peers serve as student assistants. The MMHS Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist consults with the teacher on an as-needed basis to design activities best suited for each student’s development, based on the specifics of their IEP.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Functional Language Arts

This course is designed to meet individual student needs and learning goals. Our primary focus is on transition and preparing students for life after high school including employment. Peer mentors assist students in the class. Students receive instruction in one or all of the following areas, depending on the specifics of their IEP. Content includes, but is not limited to, practice and actual experience in learning how to:

• Use effective and positive communication styles

• Complete personal forms

• Use total communication (sign language, voice, gestures, and augmentative communication devices)

• Solve problems using positive communication on an everyday basis

• Use a newspaper or advertisement to locate information about a product or service

• Maintain a journal

• Make a phone call to get specific information

• Write thank you letters and cards for birthdays and other events

• Prepare a shopping or “to do” list

• Interview for jobs

• Prepare a resume

• Complete a job application

• Improve self-awareness

• Improve self-advocacy

• Use technology to access public transportation

• Use technology to access online job application

• Improve social skills

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required

Functional Math

The primary focus in Functional Math is on transition and preparing students for life after high school and employment. Students receive instruction in one or all of the following areas depending on the specifics of their IEP. Peer mentors assist students in the class. Content includes, but is not limited to, practice and actual experience in learning how to:

• Apply for a bank account – make bank deposits and withdrawals

• Write a check – maintain a balance by adding and subtracting

• Use a wallet – make purchases, count money, and wait for change

• Prepare a budget for a shopping trip or project

• Use a newspaper or advertisement to locate a time, score, or price

• Use a vending machine

• Use a clock or other cues to follow a schedule

• Take an inventory

• Record sales

• Determine profits

• Analyze parts of a paycheck stub

• Calculate taxes, discounts, and tips

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Independent Living Skills

This course is designed to meet individual student needs and learning goals. Students receive instruction in one or all of the following areas depending on the specifics of their IEP. Content includes, but is not limited to, practice and actual experience in learning how to:

• Select a recipe, clean the food preparation area, get ingredients and utensils, and unwrap and store food items

• Chop, cut, stir, pour, and peel a variety of foods.

• Measure dry foods and liquids.

• Use a mixer

• Set the oven temperature, turn on stove burners, adjust heat settings, set a timer, and safety around heat elements

• Use a microwave

• Wash, dry, and put away cooking utensils

• Sort dirty laundry, operate washer and dryer, set controls, and fold clean laundry

• Vacuum rugs and sweep floors

• Clear and wipe surfaces

• Organize materials on shelves and in cabinets

• Make shopping lists

• Learn effective communication style

• Recognize and respond to emotions

• Dress for specific activities

• Follow behavior norms in a variety of settings protocol

• Move about the Cienega campus as independently as possible

• Develop positive relationships with other students, teachers, staff, and administrators

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites

Teacher recommendation required

Vocational Training

Vocational training classes offer students an opportunity to receive job training and support in work settings both on-and off-campus. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, landscaping and yard work, custodial and maintenance work, car washing, food services, nursery operations, childcare, and office assistant work. These classes include instruction in work attire, preparation for work, safety on the job, appropriate work behavior, interacting with co-workers, communicating with supervisors, and problem-solving at work. Paraprofessional support will be given via targeted in-class support.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites:Teacher recommendation required

Integrated Science

This course is designed for students who require remediation in basic skills and whose needs cannot be accommodated in the regular curriculum. This course places an emphasis on strengthening basic concepts and computational skills while focusing on the practical application of learned concepts. Content includes, but is not limited to introductions to physics, chemistry, and biology.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required