The Special Studies Department is comprised of two distinct programs.
The Learning Disabilities Program and the
Reading Strategies Program.
The Learning Disabilities (LD) program provides academic support for students with diagnosed learning disabilities. All students are mainstreamed into the regular Pius XI High School classroom curriculum. Individualized instruction focuses on the development of study skills and successful performance in regular classes.
Emphasis is placed on undersanding the disability, developing compensatory skills and self-advocacy skills.
The LD program is offered to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who meet criteria.
Criteria
A student must have a professional, educational evaluation diagnosing specific learning disabilities. This evaluation must be administered by a psychologist or a school district IEP team.
Components of the LD Program:
- Academic support
- Individualized education
- Study skills
- Test-taking skills
- Organizational skills
- Coordination with classroom teachers
- Post-secondary educational and vocational planning
- Coordination with DVR
Reading Strategies is designed to assist students in attaining their potential in reading competency. It is based on the evaluation of each student entering Pius. The course focuses on strengthening comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills through various activities using a variety of materials. Diagnostic-prescriptive instruction is utilized in order that each student’s specific needs can be met effectively. Students in the Reading Strategies course are advised to wait until their sophomore year to enroll in an World Languages course
Courses Offered
| Credits |
|
Year Offered |
| 0.5 |
Reading Strategies |
FR, SO, JR, SR |
| 0 |
Learning Disabilities Program |
FR, SO, JR, SR |