Essential Classes
Essential classes typically replace a
mainstream content course like English or Math. These classes serve a range of
disabilities. Students enrolled in these classes are usually functioning at
least 2-4 grade levels behind their same grade peers. The focus is on specialized
instruction in the content area or area of disability.
Essential Reading I
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 170-185)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Accelerate reading achievement
• Improve comprehension
• Improve word attack skills
• Improve reading fluency
• Expand vocabulary
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Reading II
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 186-195)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Accelerate reading achievement
• Improve comprehension
• Improve word attack skills
• Improve reading fluency
• Expand vocabulary
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Reading III
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 196-205)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Accelerate reading achievement
• Improve comprehension
• Improve word attack skills
• Improve reading fluency
• Expand vocabulary
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential English Prep
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Research
• Writing
• Presentation
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Writing I
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: One trimester = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Sentence Writing
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Writing II
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: One trimester = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Paragraph Writing
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Writing III
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9 -12
Credit: One trimester = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Essay Writing
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher and individualized instruction
Essential Communication
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Development of social communication skills
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher with individualized instruction
Essential Math III
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 203-210)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Basic math facts
• Measurement, time, money
• Math-related life skills
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher with individualized instruction
Essential Math IV
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 210-216)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Credit: Up to two trimesters=.5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
*Basic math facts *Skills needed to pass the MN GRAD math assessment Instructional Focus: Taught my SPED teacher with individualized instruction
Essential Math V
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation (MAP Score of 216-221)
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Preparation for algebra
• Skills needed to pass the Minnesota GRAD math assessment
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher with individualized instruction
Essential Study Skills
Prerequisite/Selection Process: IEP team recommendation
Intended Audience: Students with IEP in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Credit: Up to two trimesters = .5 credit per trimester
Major Outcomes:
• Development of organizational and study skills
Instructional Focus: Taught by SPED teacher with individualized instruction