Options Program
Contacts:
Ms. Kristen Common ’83
B.S. Special Education
Ed. Curriculum and Instruction B.S.
Director, Options Program
Co-Teacher
kcommon@behs.com
Ms. Lauren Murphy ’16
B.S. Early Childhood Education
Co-Teacher
lcroghan@behs.com
Accolades
Bishop England High School’s Options Program has been the focus of numerous presentations at a variety of national conferences. The program has become a model of inclusive education for schools around the country, including schools from Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Illinois, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Louisiana, Florida, California, and Washington, D.C.
Peer Mentors
Options Scholars: These academic mentors help students achieve scholastic benchmarks through tutoring, helping with academic projects, and modeling positive work habits. Students enrolled in the Options Scholars course also participate in an extensive curriculum which focuses on disability awareness, legislations, trends, effective teaching strategies, and careers related to special needs.
Band of Buddies: This group of social mentors creates an opportunity for students enrolled in the Options Program to enjoy a typical high school experience. The buddies participate in service projects and social activities throughout the year. This group helps students establish friendships, practice social skills, and develop positive peer relationships.
Building upon the mission of Bishop England High School, the Options Program, established in 2007, supports the belief that all students deserve the opportunity to maximize their spiritual, academic and social potential. The vision is that students from a wide range of intellectual abilities will continue to learn and advance if provided a rich, rewarding learning environment.
This program is designed to provide an inclusive educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Students benefit from inclusion opportunities in a variety of academic and elective courses for 80-100% of the school day. Students in the Options program receive more individualized instruction as needed to facilitate their continued academic progress. In most cases, the students participating in the Options Program will receive a “Certificate of Achievement” upon the completion of the program. Most graduates of this program are currently attending post-secondary programs or are gainfully employed.
Profile of Options’ Students at Bishop England
- Students with developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Students whose academic performance ranges between the second and sixth grade
- Students who are able to initiate simple written and verbal expression.
- Students who are able to interact socially with minimal distraction to themselves or others
- Students who are willing to follow the high behavior and academic standards of our school