Special Education services are determined through the Team process according to federal and state regulations. Eligible students receive the services specialised in their Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), which enable them to receive free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Each student’s program is designed to ensure a successful transition from high school to the adult world and support the skills necessary to become productive members of the larger community. 

Fundamental Courses

Students in Fundamental courses are working towards a standard high school diploma, including the successful completion of MCAS requirements. Courses are offered in small groups of no more than 8-12 students. The curriculum mirrors general education standards, although the pacing and delivery of instruction are modified to meet individual student needs. Subjects include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Transitional Seminar. 

Instructional Support

Instructional support provides direct instruction in the individual goals and objects listed in each student’s IEP. Special Education teachers monitor students’ progress in general education classes and provide assistance and re-teaching as needed. Students learn organizational and study skills necessary for them to successfully access the general education curriculum. 

Literacy

Literacy provides a structured, systematic, multi-sensory approach to teach students how to decode and encode written language. Skills taught in this course enhance fluency, comprehension, and the general reading skills necessary to support access to the general education curriculum. 

Adjustment

Special Education staff, including a social worker, support students who have been identified with an emotional disability. Services are provided in both an inclusive and substantially separate setting with a focus on social/emotional learning. Courses within the Adjustment program are designed so that students may earn a standard high school diploma, including the successful completion of MCAS requirements. 

LEAP

Students within the LEAP program work with Special Education staff to learn functional academics, prevocational skills, vocational skills, adult daily living skills, and community awareness. The program also incorporates Home and Personal care skills that stress the importance of dignity and increased opportunities for independence in both home and community settings. All students work on critical skills to enhance their quality of life as they transition into the adult world. Students participate in the MCAS alternative assessment (portfolio) and do not earn a standard high school diploma, but rather a certificate of attainment. 

CSA

In Classrooms for Students with Autism, Special Education staff teach functional academics, prevocational skills, vocational skills, adult daily living skills, and community awareness. The program also incorporates Home and Personal care skills that stress the importance of dignity and increased opportunities for independence in both home and community settings. All students work on critical skills to enhance their quality of life as they transition into the adult world. Students participate in the MCAS alternative assessment (portfolio) and do not earn a standard high school diploma, but rather a certificate of attainment. 

Contact: Allyson Carbone Special Education Department Chair Lowell High School 978.441.3739 acarbone@lowell.k12.ma.us