Special Education courses are offered for those students who have been identified and declared eligible for services through the I.E.P. process. Courses within this department are treated as basic level courses for GPA calculations.
90900-90917 Personal Responsibility Educational Program (P.R.E.P.) BD Self- Contained (Year; 1-5 units) Prerequisite: Placement through I.E.P. process The purpose of the P.R.E.P. program is to offer a structured setting that will facilitate the teaching of skills necessary in order to promote positive behaviors/school success and reduce negative behaviors/school failure. The focus of the program is to control the student's inappropriate behaviors to the extent that behavioral interventions have the opportunity to influence the student's behaviors. Students recommended for the P.R.E.P. program will have the opportunity through group and individual instruction to earn the necessary credits in order to meet BHS graduation requirements. A behavioral level system has been developed and progression through the system is contingent on mastery of behavioral objectives at each level.
91001-91002 Project Success (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This program is designed to aid identified students in fulfilling regular classroom requirements. Improving academic achievement through study skills enhancement and encouraging personal responsibility are goals of this course. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication between school and home is emphasized.
91111-91112 Learning to Learn Prerequisite: Placement through the IEP process This course is designed for incoming freshman. It will introduce students to the rules and expectations at Bloomington High School. It will focus on acclimation of students to the high school learning environment. Students enrolled in this course will focus on the study skills and habits necessary for success at BHS. Test taking strategies and practice will be infused throughout. In addition, the utilization of technology skills will be addressed in order to enhance academic achievement.
91011-91012 English I (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This Freshman level course is designed to help students develop basic language-related study skills that are necessary for success in school. Emphasis is placed on oral and written language skills that will be used in everyday situations. Some work is done on functional reading skills.
91021-91022 English II (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: English I First semester basic reading skills will be reviewed with emphasis on vocabulary development and comprehension. Reading selections will be presented through use of media such as newspapers, magazines, and television. Second semester emphasizes basics for speech and functional communication. It aims to develop communication skills for the listener as well as the speaker in both individual and group activities.
91031-91032 English III (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: English II / Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed to improve reading and writing skills. Students learn and apply literary terms in relation to assigned readings. Emphasis is placed upon reading comprehension and response analysis. Writing interventions are implemented as students work from proper sentence structure, paragraph structure, 5 paragraph essay to the comprehensive research paper.
91041-91042 English IV (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: English III/ Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed to increase reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Students continue utilizing the application of literary terms to assigned readings. Writing interventions are implemented in correlation to writing assignments. Writing assignments include: analysis of readings, critical response to readings, an understanding of cause and effect, communicating opinions and thoughts utilizing readings as support.
91051-91052 Reading Improvement (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed for students with low reading scores who would like to improve their reading skills. Individual students will receive instruction to improve their reading vocabularies and comprehension skills. Direct instruction as well as a variety of supplemental materials will be utilized.
91211-91212 Math 9-10 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed to build and further develop number sense, computation and life skills at the appropriate grade level of each student. Students will engage in realistic problem solving activities emphasizing vocational and consumer based competencies. Students will develop and build practical skills in measurement, money usage, buying practices, banking and a range of job related topics. Algebra and geometry skills are included.
91215-91216 Mathematics 9 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course emphasizes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Practical applications of these skills are stressed second semester.
91221-91222 Mathematics 10 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Math 9 or Math 9-10 Math 10 is a continuation of the work begun in Math 9 covering practical problem solving throughout both semesters. This course emphasizes math application of skills. Lessons are designed to emphasize the need for and the use of math in everyday life. Algebra and geometry skills are included.
91231-91232 Mathematics 11 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Math 9, Math 10 or Math 9-10 This course includes basic concepts in math and basic algebra. Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, rational numbers, solving equations, ratios, proportion, graphing and problem solving are among the topics covered.
91311-91312 Basic Physical Science (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This science course involves the study of physical science. Through observation and related activities, the student learns the basics of physics and chemistry. Units will include chemical reactions, motion, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. This course relates fundamental physical science to the world in which we live to help students better understand their physical world.
91321-91322 Life Science (Year; 1 unit) Placement through the I.E.P. Process This science course involves the study of life science and how it relates to the ever-changing environment. Through observation and related activities, the student learns about various aspects of life science including plant life, animal life, and human biology.
91331-91332 Earth Science (Year; 1 unit) Placement through the I.E.P. Process, Junior standing Earth Science is designed to give students a first hand look at the forces that shape today’s planet. They also have a chance to look beyond the planet to examine some of the forces that have shaped the universe and solar system. Through participation in a wide variety of activities, learning opportunities, and discussions the students become more aware of the changing planet.
91420 Geography/American Government (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing This course is divided into two units of study: American Government and United States geography. The American Government unit involves the federal, state, and local governments. The federal and state constitution exams as well as the American flag exam are offered. The geography unit involves basic instruction in map usage including political, and travel maps. Student will become familiar with U.S. geography and will identify states and capitals.
91421-91422 World Geography (Year; 1 unit) Placement through the I.E.P. Process This course is intended to introduce students to the different areas of the world. Students will become familiar with the themes a geographer uses to study the different parts of the world. Students will focus on geographic skills including map reading and location of countries. Students will also focus on learning the different cultures around the world.
91431-91432 American History (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Junior standing This course is arranged in chronological units from Early America to the 20th century. Significant topics from the 18th and 19th centuries will be covered to understand how people and events have shaped the present and will continue to affect the future. The first semester focuses on the history through the Civil War, while the second semester deals with the period from the Reconstruction to the present.
91510 Health A (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process In this course, students explore multiple areas of health education. These areas include mental health, physical health, and safety, diseases of the mind and body, substance use and abuse, community and environmental health issues. Students will relate health education issues presented in class with their own lives as well as current events.
91610 Affective Interaction (Semester, 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process Affective Interaction is designed to help students assume responsibility for themselves and interact responsibly with others. They also work on self-esteem, problem solving, and goal setting. Through participation in classroom discussion, role-play, and various activities, students have the opportunity to develop personal and social responsibility.
91621-91622 Consumer Education I & II (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Sophomore standing This course provides students with a working knowledge of how economics affects their lives as consumers. Much of the information presented is taken from sources familiar to the student--newspapers, television, radio, consumer magazines, field trips and guest speakers. Students engage in problem-solving activities involving basic economic principles, consumer rights and responsibilities, contract law, buying practices, housing and money management. Second semester, students complete a federal income tax form, calculate wages and earnings, write checks, reconcile bank statements and understand insurance.
91717-91718 Pre-Vocational Work Experience E (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Freshman or Sophomore standing This class will provide general information about the "World of Work". It is designed for students who are not yet ready to enter the work force, but would still like to have some basic knowledge about being employed. Topics that will be explored include personal interests and values, learning styles, skills and aptitudes, and personalities as they relate to career choices. Each of the 15 Career Clusters will be researched and discussed followed by information about gathering job leads, organizing a job search, applying for a job, and keeping a job once you are hired. Other relative topics that will be covered in this course include goal setting, money management, staying healthy, and the importance of building relationships and teamwork.
91711-91712, 91721-91722 Work Experience I & II (Year, 2 units) Prerequisite: Junior, Senior standing Students explore reasons for working and determine their own interests, skills, aptitudes, and abilities. They focus on personal values and career choices. Finding a job, the job application process, interview skills, getting along with co-workers, keeping a job, and making job changes are discussed. In addition, practical information in terms of independent living skills is taught. The student spends a portion of his day at school and is employed during the remainder of the day.
72701-72702 Basic Materials Technology (Year; 1 unit) This course is recommended for special population students. This course is designed to give to the student an opportunity to experience a variety of different industrial technology subjects. This class is a hands-on class. Subject areas that will be covered include Drafting, Metals, Construction, Graphics, Computer Aided Drafting, Basic Computers, and Small Engines. This curriculum is intended to help the student make informed choices about subsequent Industrial Technology courses. First semester, student emphasis will be on the Drafting and Metals Occupational areas. Students will learn how to perform sketching and mechanical drawing using drafting tools. Students will also learn how to use hand and power tools and to perform stick welding, sheet metal layout and measure to within 1/16 of an inch in a safe environment. Second semester, students will explore the Construction, Graphics, Computer Assisted Design, Basic Computers, and Small Engines Occupations. Student emphasis will be on safety, hand and power tools used in construction, Desktop Publishing and Digital Photography in Graphics, Auto CAD, hardware and software used in basic computers and parts of a small engine.
92011-92012 English E 9-10 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This freshman/sophomore level course is designed to help students improve skills in spelling, vocabulary, oral reading, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing. Writing skills include paragraph writing (via journals), simple notes to others, and application forms. Phonics is taught to increase reading and spelling skills. Introduction to classics from literature is provided as well as dictionary use and alphabetizing skills. Emphasis in all areas is on practical, functional applications for independent living.
92021-92022 Practical Writing (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through IEP process This course is designed for freshman and sophomore special education students emphasizing writing skills. The course will include work on punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, and paragraph composition skills. Use of planner will also be offered as well as journaling and functional writing (thank you notes, friendly/business letters, application forms, etc...)
92031-92032 English E 11-12 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: English E 9-10 This course is an extension of the work begun in English E 9-10 with an expansion of all areas stated in E 9-10. During the second year, emphasis includes the post-school needs of the students and the student's role in the world of work and society as it pertains to reading, writing, spelling, and vocabulary.
92111-92112 Mathematics E 9-10 (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process The instruction of basic math skills is started at the appropriate grade level for each student in relation to his/her ability to perform the necessary mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Using these skills as applicable, the student will be taught units in place value, word problems, calculator use, time/calendar skills, money skills, banking skills, and functional fractions and decimals.
92211-92212 Mathematics E 11-12 Prerequisite: Math E 9-10 This course is a continuation of the skills taught in Math E 9-10 with an emphasis on functional math skills necessary for independent living.
92311-92312 Basic Physical Science E (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course provides Freshmen and Sophomores an introduction to the physical sciences. Through observation and the carrying out of activities, the student learns about matter in motion, electricity, light, sound and the chemical make-up of matter. In order to assist students to better understand their physical world, fundamentals of physical are related to the world in which we live.
92331-92332 Life Science E (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing This science course involves the study of living things. This includes the study of plants, animals, human biology, and ecology. Students are provided with a variety of instructional activities and are able to utilize multiple learning styles to understand these concepts.
92351-92352 Earth Science E (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing (Not offered in 2009-2010)Earth Science is designed to give students a first hand look at the forces that have shaped planet Earth and how those forces are still affecting our planet. Students will also learn about the solar system and the universe, where our planet fits into these systems, how and why it has changed over time, and what is needed to protect the environment through better use of its resources and recycling. Through participation in a variety of activities, learning opportunities, and discussions the students become more aware of the planer earth, how it changes, and their responsibility to protect it.
92410 Social Studies E (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process (Not offered in 2009-2010) This Freshman/Sophomore level course concerns itself with the study of maps, globes, and directions. It provides the student with a general knowledge of North America and the other continents of the world.
92431-92432 American History - Government E (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing This history course includes the discovery of the new world to the present day. From colonial days to independence, through westward expansion and solving the questions of slavery to industrialization, the students will explore their American History. This study sets the stage for entry of the United States into the 21st century as leader in technology, human rights and peace. Federal, state, and local government systems are studied, including the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions.
92510 Health E (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process (Not offered in 2009-2010) This Freshman/Sophomore level course is designed to explore basic health principles and issues including the following areas: personal hygiene, safety and first aid, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and knowledge of the systems of the body including the reproductive system.
92611-92612 Home Life E (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process (Not offered in 2009-2010) This course teaches basic management skills helping students function and prosper as responsible teens in their independent, post secondary lives. Skills involving building self esteem, making healthy decisions, using refusal skills, respecting culture and ethnic differences, building teamwork, making wise consumer choices, and managing stress. A lab in the kitchen reinforces skills taught in the classroom on proper nutrition, meal planning, preparation and clean-up, as well as clothing care.
92621-92622 Community at Work (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Sophomore or Junior standing (Not offered in 2009-2010)This course is designed to aid the student in understanding the community in which he/she lives and how he/she can be a contributing member to that community. It involves instruction and activities in the areas of federal, state and local government; the U.S. criminal justice system; citizens' rights and responsibilities; and citizenship. Vocational self-awareness is highlighted second semester via interest surveys, career exploration, sources of employment, job seeking skills, and interview skills.
92631-92632 Consumer Education E I & II (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Sophomore or Junior standing (Not offered in 2009-2010)This class is designed to acquaint the student with the economic principles of daily living so that he/she can perform the economic roles of worker, consumer and citizen. Instruction is given so students become better consumers. Topics include savings vs. spending, grocery shopping, general shopping, clothing care, telephone usage, restaurant usage, reading schedules and charts, money management, checking account skills, budgeting, housing, concerns, and simple tax preparation.
92711-92712 Work Experience E I (Year, 1 unit) 92721-92722 Work Experience E II (Year, 1 unit) Prerequisite: Junior standing Students explore reasons for working and the effects of work on lifestyle. They engage in discovery of their own interests, skills and aptitudes. They focus on personal career choices. They look at positive interview behaviors. Job retention skills are emphasized with a focus on personal development as a key to success. Students will receive instruction on the first days of working, safety, getting along with employers and co-workers, and situations that affect jobs. In addition, practical information in terms of independent living skills are taught. The student attends school on a partial day and is employed during the remaining part of the day.
92911-92912 Basic Keyboarding E (Year; 1 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed to provide the special student with the opportunity to learn and internalize the proper method of keyboarding. Proper keyboarding technique and correct finger to key positions are highlighted. Dictation and copy skills are implemented throughout the course. Emphasis is further placed on the use of modern technology for personal and vocational use.
81870 Practical Child Development E (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: Placement through the I.E.P. process This course is designed for special population students who have expressed an interest in childcare or parenting. Units of study will include physical care of infants and toddlers, health and safety concerns for children, and nutrition for young children. The course will emphasize the fact that caring for children is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
93801-93847; 54541-54542 Developmentally Disabled (D.D.) Prerequisite: I.E.P. Eligibility This program is designed for special population students who require a functional community based curriculum. Students practice basic skills in independent functioning, community functioning, employment skills, and social skills. Individual programming is based on the student’s Individual Educational Plan.
