2012-2013CLASS Citywide Program: Susan B. Anthony Middle School

Course Syllabus

2012-2013CLASS Citywide Program: Susan B. Anthony Middle School

CLASS Teachers: Daniel M. Magnuson, MA., SLD., Grif Brown SLD.

Program Social Worker:Jennifer Bradley Email –

Special Education Assistants (SEAs):Rae Burkhalter (Ms. Rae), CieraLoehrer (Ms. Loehrer), Valerie Penilton (Mrs. P)

Location:Room 030/ Room 028 - Southeast side of building-across from the entrance to the auditorium

We also now have a new computer lab “Literacy Lab” next door in Rm 29.

School Phone:612-668-3240 Fax:3250

Dan’s Voicemail:612-692-1496 Email:

Grif’s Voicemail: 612-668-7768 Email:

Jennifer Bradley’s Voicemail: 612-668-3253

Prep Hours:

Dan 4th Period (1:16 to 2:08)

Grif 5th Period (2:12 to 3:04)

If this time does not work for you, we are happy to arrange a meeting at either 8:15 AM; 4:00 PM; or another time during the school day.

The CLASS Program

The CLASS program (Coordinated Learning for Academic and Social Success) serves middle school students with learning or other disabilities. We provide intensive, individualized instruction with the emphasis on the development of academics and social skills. The program has a high adult/student ratio. The students receive the support of both the classroom teacher (case manager) and from the program support staff including a licensed social worker.

Program Outcomes

Through whole class instruction, small group/one-on-one work with the teacher and support staff, elective courses, participation in school-wide activities, guest speakers, and field trips, students completing their work should be able to :

• Achieve or make progress towards the goals and objectives stated within their IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
• Build relationships with the members of our learning community
• Discover their own talents as they prepare for secondary school

Academic Work

We assess each child’s needs and how to best meet the goals and objectives stated in their IEPs. The students’ needs drive the decisions we make about which programs and curricular materials we use to allow them to grow both academically and socially. Grades are based on the completion of class work and homework and their behavior and participation in each course. A few of the materials and programs we use are:

• Reading – The Read180 and System 44 programs directly address individual needs through adaptive and instructional software (fun computer activities using interactive reading passages, videos, spelling and phonics activities), high-interest literature, and explicit instruction in reading and writing skills.For students needing even more individualized reading support, we use a variety of other reading programs and strategies.
• Language Arts – The students will have many opportunities to read chapter books (shared reading exercises led by the teacher) and engage in meaningful activities to respond to what they’ve read using the Jr. Great Books curriculum. Response activities will incorporate reading and writing strategies, speaking, and the arts.
• Mathematics – In math we work on developing the students’ abilities in basic skills, applied math concepts, measurement, geometry, patterns, and reading and recording data through the Saxon Math curriculum. In addition, students are allowed to work at their own pace on math concepts using a program called Accelerated Math and IXL Math (on-line). Students will also be exploring general math concepts using various sources. Students will be rotating between Mr. Magnuson’s and Mr. Brown’s class for math throughout the year.
• Humanities (History)–This year we will be incorporating the MYP (Middle Years Programme) model in both Humanities and Science. That means we will be designing and implementing MYP units in these two courses. There will be a variety of assessment tools used that align with the MYP philosophy. Students will be using History Alive! Students will be exploring America’s past starting with Geography, review of post Colonial America and wrapping up with a the Civil War. All students will participate in both History and Science throughout the year.
• Science – We are using a curriculum called SRA Snapshots Video Science. The students will be learning basic science concepts in the Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences. This year the main concepts we will be covering will be Cells; Changing Earth; and Force and Motion.
• Social Skills/Behavior – A variety of curriculum tools will be used to promote social skill development and track behavior. A separate form will explain our class-wide behavior management program called the Level System where certain privileges are earned and dependent on the students’ ability to follow the expectations and routines of our learning environment.We will directly teach social skills through a variety of formats: Embedded in Reading/Language Arts Lessons; Morning Meeting and various Responsive Classroom strategies; Second Step Curriculum; Choice Theory; and/or Restitution.
• Transition – We assess the students’ strengths and weaknesses in the three transition areas (Employment, Independent Living Skills, and Post-Secondary Education). Our objective is to introduce the transition areas and these skills will be addressed in more depth once students reach high school. We do, however, work hard to provide learning experiences outside of the classroom (i.e. newspaper route) so students can learn and practice the lifeskills they will need as they become young adults.

At Anthony we believe in being… Respectful, Responsible, Ready!

Consequences

• Redirection (a reminder about the rule which needs to be followed)
• Formal warning
• Time Out (1 to 2 minutes in or near the room)
• Level drop / or Level 1
• Social Worker
• Administrator/Dean (Time away or disciplinary action taken)

We look forward to an outstanding year and expect the best of each student here at Anthony Middle School. We are here to support you and your child. If you have further questions, pleasecontact us anytime.

Warm Regards,

Daniel Magnuson and Grif Brown