FRED NEWHART MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student’s participate in a general education class. All teachers are aware of and provide for the student’s accommodations* in the class. General Education teacher confers with the Education Specialist on resources, supports, and strategies to support students.

*Accommodations are changes in how a student accesses information and demonstrates learning. Accommodations do not substantially change the instructional level, content, or performance criteria. The changes are made in order to provide a student with equal access to learning and an equal opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do. Accommodations can include changes in the following: 

A collab class is a general education class that is supported by an Instructional Assistant or Education Specialist. The Instructional Assistant is present to support ALL  students, but is aware of students who have IEPs, what their accommodations/modifications are, and help to implement them. General Education teacher confers/collaborates with the Education Specialist on resources, supports, and strategies to support students.

Most common duties of an Instructional Assistant in a collab class can include: supporting comprehension of materials, pulling students out of the classroom to read tests/quizzes to them, providing copies of notes or supporting in the taking of notes, prompting students to get or stay on task, monitoring or prompting behaviors. 

Directed Classes are standards-based classes taught by an Education Specialist for Math or English class. Students are taught grade-level content and also receive instruction to support their IEP goals. Classes are generally smaller in size and are taught using a wide variety of strategies and resources to scaffold instruction and to ensure student success. Students can receive accommodations and/or modifications per their IEPs.

A Resource Class is a Directed Class made up of students with IEPs who need intensive support in starting/finishing their homework, organizing their materials, prioritizing assignments, and keeping up with classes. The Education Specialist supports students in accessing assignments, completing them, organizing their time/space, and support on the assignments if necessary. This class is typically considered an elective, so students must apply for zero period if they would like to participate in an additional elective.

In any class on campus, students have the opportunity to receive accommodations*, or modifications* depending on their IEP. It is important to understand the difference between the 2 because they affect graduation plans.

*Accommodations are changes in how a student accesses information and demonstrates learning. Accommodations do not substantially change the instructional level, content, or performance criteria. The changes are made in order to provide a student with equal access to learning and an equal opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do. Receiving accommodations in academic or other classes in high school still allows students to qualify for A-G requirements (Diploma Track).

*Modifications are changes in the course that do fundamentally alter or lower the standard or final expectation of the course or test. Modifications are made to provide meaningful learning experiences based on individual needs and abilities and allow educational progress towards the standards. Examples may include:

Recieving modifications in academic classes in high school does not allow students to qualify for A-G requirements (Diploma Track). Instead, students can receive an Alternate Diploma or a certificate of completion and qualify for the Adult Transition Program for ages 18-22.

“Case Carrier”, or “TeacherContactD” on Student Schedule

Each student has a Case Carrier - the Education Specialist who oversees the implementation of a child’s IEP. This is your contact person for questions, as well as the person who schedules and holds a student’s IEP meeting during the year.