Mill Valley Middle School

Academic Support Program

At each grade level, there is an Education Specialist teacher who provides an academic support class for students with IEPS. Students in the Academic Support Program are able to access general education classes with their individualized accommodations in place for core content. They receive this scheduled period to work on IEP goals, executive functioning skills, and study skills as specified in their IEPs. The Education Specialists serve as case managers for their students and work collaboratively with the student, their family, and the general education teachers to ensure that each student’s IEP is implemented successfully in all school environments.

Specialized Academic Instruction - Special Day Class

For students with IEPs that require a greater level of support, we offer core classes (Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math) that are taught by Education Specialist teachers. Student schedules are determined by the IEP team, but generally speaking, students in this program will have 4 periods of instruction with an Education Specialist teacher (LA, SS, Math, and an Academic Support Class) and then have 3 periods of instruction in general education classes (PE, Science, Elective). Often, students in this program will have a modified curriculum when in their general education classes. This program has a higher staff-to-student ratio and push-in support from special education instructional assistants is provided in the general education classrooms as needed. The two Education Specialists in this program serve as case managers for their students and work collaboratively with the student, their family, and their general education teachers to ensure that each student’s IEP is implemented successfully in all school environments.

Inclusion

When determined to be the most appropriate placement by an IEP team, this model is offered to students with disabilities who may need significant modification to the general education curriculum or to work on individualized goals within the general education classroom setting.  Inclusion students spend the majority of their day in classrooms with their typically developing peers. These students receive the support services necessary to be successful in these environments. Students may receive some designated instructional services or participate in special education classes, as deemed appropriate by the IEP team. Students receive various levels of assistance as needed throughout the day. General education teachers and Education Specialists collaborate to implement accommodations and modifications that are outlined in the student’s IEP. Education Specialists support teachers and paraprofessionals in implementing these accommodations and modifications and with developing more detailed curriculum modifications based on the student's individual needs.