THE OPTIONS PROGRAM
Director: Kristen Common
The Options program is designed to provide an inclusive educational experience for students with moderate developmental or intellectual disabilities. Students who complete the Options course of study satisfactorily will receive a “Certificate of Achievement” and will participate in all commencement activities.
Students in the Options program are included in many standard classes daily, such as theology, history, science, and fine arts. Curriculum and assessments are modified in inclusive classes. The course of study for each student is determined by the Options Program director in consultation with the parents.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONS STUDENTS
In order to participate in commencement exercises and receive a “Certificate of Achievement,” a student enrolled in the Options Program must pass all required subjects (see below), have a good discipline record, attend graduation practice, and be an active participant at Baccalaureate Mass.
REQUIRED CREDITS:
Theology – 4
English – 4
Mathematics – 4
Science – 3
U.S. History – 1
US Government – ½
Personal Finance – ½
World History – 1
Physical Education – 2
Fine Arts – 1
Additional Elective – 3
Total credits required – 24
Promotion standards
A student who fails a course will be required to repeat the course or participate in a credit recovery program.
Academic probation
A student experiencing academic difficulties may be placed on academic probation and must meet the terms of the probation in order to remain in the program.
Students in the Options program are included in many standard classes daily, such as theology, history, science, and fine arts. The course of study for each student is determined by the Options Director in consultation with the parents.
COURSE OFFERINGS
OPT courses are led by the Options Program teachers while Inclusive classes are regular classes in which an Options student is included. All courses require consultation with and approval from the Options Director.
THEOLOGY
*Denotes semester course
*THE TORAH INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 1-A): This semester course gives students a knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture through the study of the first five books of the Old Testament with emphasis on God’s relationship with his people in covenants. The course requires guided reading along with written and oral reports.
*THE PROMISES AND FULLFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 1-B): This semester course continues the study of the covenants in the Old Testament and concludes with Jesus’ fulfillment of all that was foreshadowed and promised. The course requires outside reading and research, as well as written and oral reports. The course requires guided reading along with written and oral reports.
*THE CHURCH AND ITS HISTORY INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 2 CH): The purpose of this semester course is to give students a background in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Western Civilization, from Apostolic times to the present day. This historical view will include: the key figures and general conditions and movements of the different time periods, the controversies and councils related to Church doctrine, and the Church’s ecclesiology.
*CATHOLIC PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 2 PS): There is an undeniable yearning in the heart of every human person. This course explains the source of that longing and provides practical instruction in the ways a person can satisfy their interior desires for God. Through the exploration of the writing and lives of the Church’s mystics and theologians, one can conclude that human souls were made for the beatitude of Heaven. Thus, this course provides practical instruction in connecting with God through prayer, work, and the Church’s mystical traditions.
*NEW TESTAMENT: THE REVELATION OF CHRIST INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 3-A): This course provides the student with an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ through the reading of the New Testament. It will involve a historical contextualization of the New Testament literature and some primary source reading of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Students will also learn how to pray with Scripture in Lectio Divina. The course requires guided reading.
*CATHOLIC MORALITY INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 3-B): This semester course will provide the student with a rational foundation for Catholic moral teaching. It will include addressing the current climate of moral relativism, a philosophical foundation in Aquinas’ notion of goodness, beauty, and truth, a formation in the traditional moral guides of virtue, conscience, and Natural Law, and, finally, a contemporary look at topics today regarding the 5th and 6th Commandments.
*NEW TESTAMENT: THE REVELATION OF CHRIST INCLUSIVE (THEOLOGY 3-A): This course provides the student with an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ through the reading of the New Testament. It will involve a historical contextualization of the New Testament literature and some primary source reading of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Students will also learn how to pray with Scripture in Lectio Divina.
*CATHOLIC MORALITY (AI-THEOLOGY 3-B): This semester course will provide the student with a rational foundation for Catholic moral teaching. It will include addressing the current climate of moral relativism, a philosophical foundation in Aquinas’ notion of goodness, beauty, and truth, a formation in the traditional moral guides of virtue, conscience, and Natural Law, and, finally, a contemporary look at topics today regarding the 5th and 6th Commandments.
SENIORS ARE PLACED IN ONE OF THE FALL COURSES BELOW.
*APOLOGETICS AND THE EXISTENCE OF GOD INCLUSIVE: In this FALL semester course on apologetics, students will build a foundation for belief in Christianity through the understanding of the ways in which God has revealed himself in history. This will include a look at the philosophical proofs for God’s existence, the revelation of Christ in Scripture and Tradition, and the guiding role of the Magisterium throughout history. Outside reading is required as well as accurate lecture notes and mastery of the subject matter.
*THE SACRAMENTS INCLUSIVE: The aim of this FALL semester course is to provide the student with an understanding of the important role of the Sacramental system within Catholic worship, theology, and life. Each Sacrament will be examined from a theological, practical, and historical perspective. This course will also hit on topics such as the vocations to the priesthood and marriage, and John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
SENIORS ARE PLACED IN ONE OF THE SPRING COURSES BELOW.
*TO THE HEIGHTS: WITNESS OF THE SAINTS INCLUSIVE: This SPRING semester course will be a reflection on the lives and struggles of specific saints of the Catholic Church. Students will get to know the biographies of figures such as St. John Paul II, St. Mother Theresa, Bl. Pierre Giorgio Frassati, Bl. Chiara Badano, and others. They will use these stories as a way by which to discuss the Christian life today, and how we can grow and learn from the saints.
*FAITH IN FILM INCLUSIVE: This SPRING semester course explores life’s biggest philosophical and theological questions through the medium of great films. Archetypal themes and theological connections will be discussed through the use of characters, plots, and the drama taken from great works of cinema. Students will gain a renewed appreciation for finding God in all aspects of the human experience and gain a lens through which to view movies.
ENGLISH
ENGLISH OPT: This course is designed to develop basic grammar/language skills; to broaden vocabulary; and to increase competency in reading, speaking, and writing. Note-taking skills, use of reference materials, and literature for enrichment are included.
ADVANCED ENGLISH OPT: This course is designed to further develop basic grammar/language skills; to broaden vocabulary; and to increase competency in reading, speaking, and writing. Note-taking skills, use of reference materials, and literature for enrichment are included.
ENGLISH INCLUSIVE: The purpose of this course is to strengthen basic language skills. Participation in a variety of language related activities, including continued vocabulary study, is required. Students will be exposed to different types of literature.
FINE ARTS
*Denotes semester course.
*INTRODUCTION TO ART INCLUSIVE: This course presents an introduction to the world of visual arts through drawing and the elements and principles of design. The student will learn about art by producing art. Emphasis will be placed on drawing and the elements of design. Technical skills are developed through studio work, using a variety of media: graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Students will exhibit their work to the school community.
*DRAWING INCLUSIVE: This semester course follows Introduction to Art. Students will improve their technical skills through studio work, using a variety of drawing media. Students will demonstrate the use of the elements and principles of art, with special emphasis on the elements of line, value and space, form and texture. Units of study will include still life, relief printmaking, the human figure, fantasy and landscape. Student critiques and class discussion of master artists and art movements are included. Students will exhibit their work to the school community.
*DIGITAL ART & DESIGN I INCLUSIVE: This course focuses on the development of basic concepts, ideas, skills and techniques for design, color and typography utilizing professional practices and procedures. Students will use the computer as a graphics tool as well as a traditional layout device. Students will gain an understanding of all production processes as they relate to printed materials. This course also provides the student with an understanding of visual problem solving from the concept stage through the finished product stage.
*STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN INCLUSIVE: Students with an interest in all things design and production will experience, explore, and create in the various areas of technical theatre including scenic design, lighting design, sound design, costume design, and makeup design. This is not a performance class, but a production class. The course culminates with a project where students work in groups to design and plan technical elements as they would for a production.
*ACTING AND PLAYWRITING INCLUSIVE: Students with an interest or passion for performance will get an in-depth exploration into Character Analysis, Monologue Analysis and Writing, Improvisation, and Playwriting. This is a performance and production class. The curriculum will culminate in a class play the students will write as a group.
*CHORALE INCLUSIVE (SEMESTER): This semester course will present an overview of choral singing through rehearsal and performance activities and through the presentation of music theory fundamentals. Students will learn by performing choral pieces from various genres of music. Emphasis will be placed on fundamentals of singing, vocal production, music reading and performance skills. Several concerts and school functions requiring vocal music will take place during the semester and are required. After-school rehearsals will be held for select events. Students will be required to perform at various school events, in addition to a performance at the end of the semester in place of an exam. No previous vocal or musical training is required. Students who display a high degree of talent and task commitment in this course may audition for Choral Ensemble during the third quarter. All students will be required to purchase concert apparel. Extracurricular choral activities may be offered on a volunteer basis during the course.
*MUSIC IN OUR TIME INCLUSIVE: This course will explore the development of popular music and how it impacts our lives and our culture. Students will explore styles of music from around the world and throughout history to see the impact of music both on a personal and community level. This course will focus largely on music from 1950-today, especially rock and roll and pop, though other time periods and genres will be studied.
MATHEMATICS
PRE-ALGEBRA I OPT: This course is a guided approach to essential mathematical concepts. Topics include time, money measurement, and basic operations with fractions, decimals, percentages, and problem-solving strategies. The intent of this course is to lay the groundwork for higher mathematics.
PRE-ALGEBRA II OPT: This course develops the essential concepts of pre-algebra. Topics include mixed operations, measurement, solving equations, rational numbers, proportions, percentages, and graphing.
ALGEBRA I INCLUSIVE: This course is a guided approach to essential algebraic concepts. Topics include algebraic expressions, equations, rational numbers, proportions, percentages, linear equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, and radical expressions.
GEOMETRY OPT: This course provides students with an opportunity to enhance their spatial visualization skills by studying two and three-dimensional shapes. Students will study polygons, perimeter, area, volume, and parallel lines.
GEOMETRY INCLUSIVE: Students will study polygons, perimeter, area, volume, congruent and similar figures, parallel lines, and the coordinate plane using deductive reasoning.
PERSONAL FINANCE OPT: This course is designed to educate the student on the importance of personal financial responsibility. It will cover topics such as managing money, banking, budgets, credit, and avoiding debt.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
*Denotes semester course.
*PHYSICAL EDUCATION INCLUSIVE FALL SEMESTER (MALES) & PHYSICAL EDUCATION INCLUSIVE SPRING SEMESTER (MALES): This course consists of basic fundamentals of various team, recreational, lifetime, and individual sports. Basic physical fitness testing is initiated at the beginning and end of the school year to assess overall improvement in physical fitness. Specific issues relating to healthier living and character building will be including in the overall program.
*PHYSICAL EDUCATION INCLUSIVE FALL SEMESTER (FEMALES) & PHYSICAL EDUCATION INCLUSIVE SPRING SEMESTER (FEMALES): This course consists of basic fundamentals of various team, recreational, lifetime, and individual sports. Basic physical fitness testing is initiated at the beginning and end of the school year to assess overall improvement in physical fitness. Specific issues relating to healthier living and character building will be including in the overall program.
*UNIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION INCLUSIVE: This unique semester course combines students with and without disabilities, to participate in inclusive activities involving physical fitness and Unified Sports. The course will provide training for Special Olympics, while providing ongoing leadership opportunities and encouraging the empowerment of ALL students in fostering an inclusive class and school-wide environment.
*WEIGHT TRAINING & FITNESS INCLUSIVE (MALES) & WEIGHT TRAINING & FITNESS INCLUSIVE (FEMALES): This semester course consists of the fundamentals of weight training, conditioning, and nutrition necessary for total body development. Basic strength and cardiovascular endurance testing will be done at the beginning and end of each semester to assess overall improvement.
*NUTRITION & HEALTH INCLUSIVE: This interactive course provides for juniors and seniors is an in-depth coverage and practical application of mind/body health-related topics impacting today’s teenager. These topics include general nutrition, sports nutrition, and physical fitness; mental health and self-esteem; technology for total wellness; substance abuse; importance of sleep and techniques to help with stress and anxiety.
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY INCLUSIVE: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to life science. Topics include cell structure and function, multi-cellular organisms, DNA, genetics, a survey of human systems, and ecology. Laboratory exercises are correlated with these topics.
BIOLOGY II INCLUSIVE: This course serves as a continuation of Biology I. The course will include a more in-depth study and application of topics such as the diversity of life, bacteria, protists, fungi, invertebrates, plant life, and ecological interactions and evolution. Students will be required to complete an assignment each quarter that involves Internet research and computer applications.
EARTH SCIENCE INCLUSIVE: In this course, students will use the scientific method to investigate Earth within the universe. They will also study Earth’s geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY INCLUSIVE: This full-year course is a study of the relationship between the function and structure of the human body as well as the biochemical and cellular aspects of human physiology. Topics will include body organization, body systems, internal regulation, homeostasis, and how the body responds to infection and disease.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INCLUSIVE: This course is designed to help students learn about the concepts in environmental science by first studying people in global ecosystems. Students will study natural occurrences such as floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes in a computer-assisted lab environment. Field studies and major environmental news stories will also be a component of the curriculum. Laboratory exercises are correlated with these topics.
MARINE BIOLOGY INCLUSIVE: This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of marine ecology and the ocean environment through lecture, labs, and hands on activities. The marine environment encompasses 99% of the Earths biosphere and contains an incredible amount of biodiversity. Specific topics will include primary and secondary production, geology and geography of the ocean, estuaries, intertidal communities, coral reefs, pelagic and deep-sea communities, impacts of humans, biology of life in the ocean, and conservation. Course presentation will be varied and interactive, including hands on activities, labs, field work, projects and multimedia presentations. Material will be presented in a variety of ways that will require student preparation and participation. The dynamic nature of marine systems will provide learning opportunities for all of us.
SOCIAL STUDIES
*Denotes semester course.
WORLD HISTORY INCLUSIVE: This course is a survey of major civilizations and cultures throughout the world focusing on the period just after the birth of Christ and concluding with the major events of the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on developing organizational, note taking, and study skills.
U.S. HISTORY INCLUSIVE: This course is a survey of American history from the colonial period through much of the twentieth century.
*U.S. GOVERNMENT INCLUSIVE: This semester course focuses on the structure and workings of the national government and the nature of American politics.
*LAW EDUCATION INCLUSIVE: This semester course is an introductory study of the American criminal justice system. Special emphasis will be placed on how the justice system could impact the lives of students.
PSYCHOLOGY INCLUSIVE: This course introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include the brain and behavior, developmental stages of the human life span, states of consciousness, abnormal psychology, learning theories, personality and gender traits, as well as substance abuse and addiction.
*THE HOLOCAUST AND WORLD WAR II INCLUSIVE: This semester course will focus on the causes, developments, and legacies of the Holocaust and World War II in the twentieth century. The students will examine how a civilized Western democracy comes to be governed by a despotic regime, and its lasting impacts of war and genocide. Students will analyze the economic, social, and political factors that allowed such a regime to emerge, and the military tactics, technological advancements, and resistance movements that enabled the development of a global war. They will also study the influence of literature, art, music, and propaganda of the period. Finally, the students will analyze how individuals can make a difference and bring awareness for respect for life and remembrance of the Holocaust.
TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS
*Denotes semester course.
*EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE INCLUSIVE: This course is designed to introduce students to the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand the tools and languages that might be used to solve particular problems. Students in this course will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. They will be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, data analysis, web design, programming, and societal and ethical issues.
*ENTREPRENEURSHIP INCLUSIVE: In this introductory business course, students learn the basics of planning and launching their own successful business. Whether they want to start their own money-making business or create a non-profit to help others, this course helps students develop the core skills they need to be successful. They learn how to come up with new business ideas, attract investors, market their business, and manage expenses. Students examine stories of successful youth entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into reality, and then they plan and execute their own business.
*PERSONAL FINANCE INCLUSIVE: This semester course is designed to educate the student on the importance of personal financial responsibility. It will cover topics such as finance, credit, retirement, college planning, avoiding debt, insurance and home mortgages.
YEARBOOK PRODUCTION INCLUSIVE (SEM OR YR): This course allows students to plan, produce, market, and distribute a product for the entire school community. Topics include current design trends as well as Yeartech and journalistic techniques. Editing, analytical, communication, and leadership skills are also stressed.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
LIFE AND EMPLOYMENT SKILLS OPT: This course is designed to increase student knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. The course emphasizes goal setting, decision making, problem solving, social-communication, healthy relationships, personal safety, contributions to school community and work ethic.
LEISURE AND RECREATION OPT: This course is designed to provide students with recreational and educational instruction to promote the development of skills necessary for recreation participation (such as social, communication, decision making, and planning skills), knowledge of recreation resources in the school community, and skills that facilitate independent leisure experiences.
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND STUDY SKILLS OPT: This course is designed to introduce students to use of computers as tools for creativity, communications and organizing information. Students will be introduced to Microsoft Office software (including TEAMS and Outlook), internet access and acceptable use, effective listening, positive school relationships, and notetaking skills. Students will build their skills in researching information and creating online study tools.
GED PREPARATION OPT: This course is designed to prepare students to take the GED examination. This course will offer integrated instruction in the four areas covered on the GED test: reasoning through language arts, science, social studies, and mathematical reasoning. This course is open to eligible juniors and seniors. Eligibly is determined by Options teachers based on reading and math skill levels.
*FALL STUDY HALL OPT
*SPRING STUDY HALL OPT
*FREE PERIOD (SENIORS ONLY)
*FREE PERIOD (SENIORS ONLY)