Course Catalog

Academic & Foundational Skills

  • Basic Math Skills I: Numbers and Operations (2 credits)
    Definition: Covers foundational arithmetic—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Demonstrate mastery of basic operations with whole numbers.

    • Use arithmetic to solve simple daily-life problems.

    • Interpret numerical information accurately in practical contexts.

  • Basic Math Skills II: Everyday Math in Action (2 credits)
    Definition: Applies math concepts to real-world situations like shopping, cooking, and budgeting.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Apply arithmetic in everyday tasks (e.g., calculating totals, measurements).

    • Convert between units and make simple estimates.

    • Use percentages for discounts, tips, or time calculations.

  • Basic Reading Skills I: Word Recognition & Comprehension (2 credits)
    Definition: Focuses on building vocabulary and recognizing word patterns to enhance understanding.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify high-frequency words and decode unfamiliar words.

    • Improve reading fluency through practice and repetition.

    • Understand short, structured texts (lists, signs, captions).

  • Basic Reading Skills II: Reading for Daily Life (2 credits)
    Definition: Builds on reading foundations to navigate everyday written materials like schedules and instructions.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Comprehend simple, functional texts (e.g., menus, forms, labels).

    • Extract key information and follow basic multi-step directions.

    • Improve vocabulary in context, and increase reading confidence.


Communication & Social Development

  • Communication Skills I: Expressing Yourself Clearly (2 credits)
    Definition: Helps students develop verbal and nonverbal communication clarity.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Use words and tone appropriate to different contexts.

    • Practice face-to-face and written expression effectively.

    • Convey ideas clearly and check for understanding.

  • Communication Skills II: Active Listening & Understanding Others (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches active listening strategies and interpretation of messages.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Demonstrate focused listening and recall details.

    • Use verbal/nonverbal cues to show understanding.

    • Respond thoughtfully and ask clarifying questions.

  • Interpersonal Skills I: Building Friendships and Relationships (2 credits)
    Definition: Explores how to form friendships and maintain positive social connections.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Demonstrate friendly behaviors: respect, empathy, cooperation.

    • Initiate and sustain simple social exchanges.

    • Recognize appropriate boundaries and mutual respect.

  • Interpersonal Skills II: Teamwork and Conflict Resolution (2 credits)
    Definition: Focuses on collaborative strategies and resolving disagreements with respect.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Engage constructively in group tasks.

    • Communicate respectfully during disagreements.

    • Apply basic conflict resolution techniques.


Financial Literacy

  • Money Management Basics: Counting, Saving, and Spending (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces handling money, saving strategies, and spending awareness.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Count currency accurately and understand its value.

    • Differentiate needs versus wants.

    • Begin setting attainable savings goals.

  • Budgeting for Daily Life (2 credits)
    Definition: Encourages building a realistic budget and tracking expenses.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Record income and typical expenses.

    • Create a simple budget (income minus essentials).

    • Monitor actual spending against the budget, adjusting as needed.

  • Banking Skills: Understanding Accounts, Cards, and ATMs (2 credits)
    Definition: Covers how to use banking tools safely and confidently.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand checking/savings accounts and how to use ATMs.

    • Recognize the function of debit/credit cards and sign transactions.

    • Identify basic fraud prevention and safe banking practices.

  • Smart Shopping: Comparing Prices and Making Choices (2 credits)
    Definition: Guides students in price comparison and making informed spending decisions.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Compare product prices using different units or brands.

    • Understand sale tactics and make budget-aligned choices.

    • Evaluate quality versus cost when purchasing.


Health & Wellness

  • Healthy Living: Nutrition and Exercise (2 credits)
    Definition: Covers basics of nutrition and physical activity for overall wellness.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify key food groups and balance appropriate portions.

    • Describe benefits of regular movement and suggest simple exercises.

    • Set basic goals for daily healthy habits.

  • Personal Hygiene and Self-Care (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches daily habits for cleanliness and self-awareness.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Practice daily hygiene routines (brushing teeth, bathing, grooming).

    • Understand the impact of regular self-care on health.

    • Organize simple personal care routines in daily life.

  • Managing Stress and Emotions (2 credits)
    Definition: Explores emotional awareness and basic strategies for stress management.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Recognize common signs of stress or frustration.

    • Use simple coping tools like breathing or talking with someone.

    • Identify trusted people to seek support from.

  • Health & Safety Awareness: At Home and in the Community (2 credits)
    Definition: Builds awareness of safe behaviors and handling daily-life hazards.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Recognize common household hazards (e.g., spills, sharp objects).

    • Follow safety signs and practices in public spaces.

    • Demonstrate simple first-aid or emergency response behaviors.


Transition to Work Skills

  • Workplace Readiness: Punctuality, Dress, and Responsibility (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces expectations for professionalism in the workplace.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Arrive on time and dress appropriately for a work environment.

    • Take responsibility for assigned tasks.

    • Show reliability and respect in work settings.

  • Career Exploration and Goal Setting (2 credits)
    Definition: Helps students explore interests and set career goals.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify personal strengths and career interests.

    • Research related job roles and pathways.

    • Develop short-term and long-term career goals.

  • Job Applications and Interview Skills (2 credits)
    Definition: Focuses on preparing professional application materials and interview readiness.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Complete basic job forms and write a simple resume or job summary.

    • Practice answering typical interview questions.

    • Demonstrate confident and clear communication during mock interviews.

  • Workplace Communication and Professional Etiquette (2 credits)
    Definition: Focuses on positive, respectful communication in professional environments.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Use polite language responsibly (e.g., greetings, thank-yous).

    • Respond appropriately to feedback or supervision.

    • Demonstrate respectful behavior in team interactions.


Vocational Training (Tailored Tracks)

  • Hospitality & Food Service Basics (2 credits)
    Definition: Covers entry-level skills for jobs in hospitality and food service.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand basic customer service and hygiene expectations.

    • Practice simple food service tasks (greeting, clearing).

    • Work cooperatively in fast-paced environments.

  • Office & Administrative Support Skills (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces fundamental office tasks and administrative support skills.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Perform simple filing, data entry, or document organization.

    • Use basic office tools like staplers, phones, or scheduling apps.

    • Work effectively with minimal direction.

  • Retail and Customer Service Skills (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches key retail interactions and customer satisfaction skills.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Greet customers and respond to their needs.

    • Demonstrate positive communication and basic sales etiquette.

    • Handle small customer issues or direct them appropriately.

  • Introduction to Technology for the Workplace (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces basic workplace technology, such as email and scheduling.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Navigate simple applications like email or calendar tools.

    • Type, save, and retrieve documents with guidance.

    • Use tech responsibly in a work context.


Independent Living Skills

  • Household Management: Cleaning, Laundry, and Organization (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches practical skills for managing daily household tasks.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Perform basic cleaning routines (dishes, dusting, laundry).

    • Sort and maintain clothing and household items.

    • Create simple cleaning schedules.

  • Cooking Basics: Simple and Healthy Meals (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces meal preparation and kitchen safety for healthy eating.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Prepare simple recipes using safe practices.

    • Use basic kitchen tools (knives, stovetop, microwave).

    • Plan balanced, nutritious meals within basic budgets.

  • Transportation Skills: Using Public Transit and Navigation (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches navigating public transportation systems.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Read transit maps and schedules.

    • Plan and execute a simple public transit route.

    • Practice boarding, paying, and safety in transit use.

  • Community Participation: Shopping, Appointments, and Recreation (2 credits)
    Definition: Helps students engage in community-based activities confidently.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Practice planning and attending appointments or errands.

    • Use social norms in public places (shopping, libraries, community centers).

    • Engage in recreational or social outings with independence.


Photography

  • Introduction to Photography (2 credits)
    Definition: Offers the basics of camera use, framing, and light awareness.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Handle a camera or phone camera confidently.

    • Understand simple composition rules (rule of thirds, focus).

    • Practice taking clear, purposeful photographs.

  • Digital Photography & Editing (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces editing concepts for enhancing images using digital tools.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Import and organize photos.

    • Apply basic edits (crop, brightness, filters).

    • Export photos for sharing or printing.

  • Portrait & People Photography (2 credits)
    Definition: Focuses on capturing emotion and personality in portraiture.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Direct simple posing and engage subjects.

    • Adjust lighting and setting for portraits.

    • Compose meaningful images of people.

  • Photography for Social Media (2 credits)
    Definition: Teaches creating visually compelling content suited for social platforms.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify the visual styles that perform well on platforms.

    • Compose engaging photos for stories, posts, or reels.

    • Export and optimize image format and size for social use.

  • Event & Nature Photography (2 credits)
    Definition: Practices capturing dynamic scenes—events or landscapes.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Anticipate and capture meaningful events or natural moments.

    • Experiment with angles, timing, and perspective.

    • Document environments with visual storytelling.


 Art

  • Foundations of Art & Design (2 credits)
    Definition: Covers basics of drawing, color theory, and design principles.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Recognize key design elements (line, shape, color).

    • Create basic compositions expressing balance and proportion.

    • Explore personal creativity through guided exercises.

  • Painting & Mixed Media (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces painting techniques and combining materials.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Use acrylics, watercolors, and mixed materials creatively.

    • Experiment with texture, layering, and expressive effects.

    • Develop individual style through material exploration.

  • Sculpture & 3D Art (2 credits)
    Definition: Explores working with clay, wood, or recycled materials in three dimensions.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Manipulate materials to create 3D forms.

    • Understand spatial relationships in sculptures.

    • Express ideas through tactile, sculptural projects.

  • Art for Wellness & Expression (2 credits)
    Definition: Uses art-making as a tool for emotional expression and self-care.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Leverage art for positive emotional expression and relaxation.

    • Practice intuitive, unstructured art as a form of mindfulness.

    • Reflect on personal art through journaling or discussion.

  • Digital Art & Graphic Design (2 credits)
    Definition: Introduces digital tools for creating posters, flyers, and illustrations.
    Learning Objectives:

    • Use platforms like Canva or Adobe Spark for design.

    • Compose simple digital graphics with text and imagery.

    • Export projects in formats suitable for print or online sharing.