Special Education

Special Education Pathways

Special Education Welcome

Welcome to GOHS Instructional Support Department

Consider the following when selecting a pathway

Our mission is to give each student an opportunity to access the least restrictive environment and enjoy the classes and activities that Great Oak High School has to offer. The Great Oak Special Education Department is committed to providing the necessary support to help your students succeed. All of our students have the opportunity to meet with their case carriers every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 30 minutes during intervention time. This time is built into the Great Oak school day for all students and gives Case Carriers an opportunity to see the students on their caseload often and work with them on their goals, schoolwork, and transition activities. Additionally, we offer college and career readiness resources beginning in freshman year and continuing through senior year. Included in this are outside agency support and an opportunity to participate in paid work experience.

Our Site houses four programs, which include Critical Life Skills (CLS), Bridge, Special Day Class (SDC), and Resource Support Program (RSP). Our Special Day Class Courses, also known as "Concept" Classes, consist of smaller class sizes, a slower-paced curriculum, and more structured support. These classes are NOT university approved A-G courses, meaning a student would not be able to apply to university upon graduation. However, students would be able to attend a community college after high school and then apply to a 4-year university. We do not currently offer concept elective classes as our school site teachers support all our students in the electives that are offered.

Students who are enrolled in general education courses are all on a pathway of university A-G approved courses. Please visit the Course Selection Page on the Counseling site for more information on graduation and university requirements.

Click on the course in which you are interested.

About Special Education

ELA 9 C

English 9 Concepts

This course introduces basic literary genres: short story, novel, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and the terminology necessary for discussing each type. The course also emphasizes essay development through thesis, support, elaboration, and conclusion. Editing and revision skills are emphasized. Writing assignments are linked to the academic standards to encourage personal writing and literary analysis. Oral speaking, listening and vocabulary skills are developed throughout the course. In addition to classroom reading, there is an outside reading requirement.

ELA 10 C

English 10 Concepts

English 10 Concepts integrates the reading and study of classic world literature and contemporary multicultural fiction with writing and oral language, both in class and in independent outside reading. Writing instruction includes literary interpretation, literary style analysis, persuasive/argumentative writing, and the research process (including MLA format). Grammar and English usage skills are integrated with writing instruction. Vocabulary study includes vocabulary in the context of the literature and study of high-frequency SAT words. Students will continue preparing for the CAASPP by accessing Interim Assessment Blocks: Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) are assessments teachers can use throughout the school year to assess smaller bundles of content. They are intended to provide educators and students with the ability to check where they are at that moment in time, and educators can use the results to determine the next steps for instruction.

ELA 11 C

English 11 Concepts

English 11 Concepts continues the study of literature. It combines writing instruction with the analytical skills needed for success in the workplace, community college, and four-year University. The research paper process begun in English 10 will be reviewed. It also reviews the grammar, usage, sentence structure and mechanics necessary to write at a college level. American literature is studied both chronologically and thematically. Class discussion, writing assignments, and regular homework are structured to stimulate high levels of critical thinking. This course requires outside reading. Assessments are aligned to CCSS standards and there are district benchmark assessments at mid year and at the end of the semester. Students will continue preparing for the CAASPP by accessing Interim Assessment Blocks: Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) are assessments teachers can use throughout the school year to assess smaller bundles of content. They are intended to provide educators and students the ability to check where they are at that moment in time, and educators can use results to determine next steps for instruction. Short and longer Interim Assessments that are both hand scored and auto scored by the CAASPP system will prepare students for the formal CAASPP state assessment given in the spring for every junior in a California public school.

ERWC C

Expository Reading and Writing Course - Concepts

This course is for students in grade 12 and was developed by the California State University (CSU) system for high school seniors. The course is designed to better prepare college-bound students to read expository texts and write expository essays; both skills are essential for college success. This class may also be used to validate students who were deemed “conditionally ready” for college English on their CAASPP – ELA test. Seniors will also complete the GOHS Senior Portfolio Exit Project as part of this course.

Algebra Ext

Algebra 1 Extended

This course extends Algebra 1 over two years, so topics and concepts can be taught slower for increased student comprehension. This course is for students on an IEP who have a learning disability related to mathematics. Topics taught in this course will emphasize functions, polynomials & factoring, quadratic equations and statistics, with a brief review of graphing linear equations and solving systems.

Geometry

Consumer Math

Life Science

Physical Sicence

World History Concepts

US History Concepts

Gov Concepts

Government Concepts

Government concepts is a survey course that covers the need for government in all societies. Starting with the principles of American democracy from our Democratic-Republican origins to contemporary socio-political issues, students will become informed and involved citizens of our community and nation. This class is an individualized structured course designed to teach Government using the district core curriculum modified and adapted to meet the needs of students examining the major constitutional themes of our American system. An overview of Supreme Court cases and analysis of the constitution are expected.