CLASSROOM SYLLABUS FOR SY 25/26
MRS. WATTERS’ ESSENTIAL ACADEMICS CLASSROOM
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
We will work on curriculum in English Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies with a focus on “nurturing independence” using the Unique Learning System (ULS) and Attainment curriculums. Our instruction is modified with an emphasis on prerequisite TEKS and functional skills in each subject. Students also have the opportunity to work on skills and goals at their independent levels as outlined in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
HOMEWORK POLICY
All academic work will be completed in class. If you choose for your student to complete homework assignments at home, I will encourage you to read with your child and to also include them in everyday Life Skills activities (such as cooking together, playing games together, or socializing with friends & family).
BEHAVIOR
Students will monitor and track behavior daily to earn a “salary” that is “deposited” into their (paper) bank accounts. This is a positive reinforcement behavior tool that I use in my classroom. It benefits both, the teacher and student, by promoting positive behavior within the classroom and being “rewarded” or reinforced appropriately. The “salary” (or paper money/plastic coins) that is earned may be exchanged for items from the Class Store cart that comes out at the end of the week. Students may wish to spend their earned “salary” for a small purchase or continue to save their “salary” for a bigger purchase at a later time.
BREAK TIMES
Students are encouraged to take breaks as needed. These can be taken as a “take a minute or two in the Cozy Corner” or a supervised walk in the hallway.
IEP/ARD MEETINGS
Your student will have one ARD meeting per calendar school year to review and update programming. If you feel that your student needs additional support prior to that meeting, please contact me and just let me know. We can always set up a conference time to revise or amend where necessary.
GRADING POLICY
Grades are based on alternate classwork, assignments, and teacher-made tests that focus on prerequisite skills at students’ independent level. Graded assignments are often completed with teacher support or the opportunity for multiple corrections.
COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTIONS (CBIs)
We will be participating in CBIs which are trips within our community that allows us to practice skills outside of our classroom. Some of the trips may include: shopping at HEB, a visit to the local fire station, the pumpkin patch, shopping at WalMart, San Antonio Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Morgan’s Wonderland, a visit to the local museums, and Legoland
STAR SPORTS
This is a Sports Program developed for our students with special needs to participate and interact in sports activities socially and physically to the extent of their individual ability involving other students within the District at their age-appropriate levels (middle school or high school). The sports program includes the following activities: STAR Bowling, STAR Basketball, and STAR Track & Field. This is a very successful program and we will participate as a Team (SBMS-EA) with other Teams (other Comal ISD middle schools-EA).
COMMON RESOURCES
Epic (audio books)
Prodigy (Math assignments and practice on individual skills)
N2Y (current events articles and activities)
Typing.com (self-paced typing program)
