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Special Education Department

Chelsea High School seeks to provide students with disabilities access to a quality education within the most inclusive setting possible. In accordance with Federal and State regulations for children with disabilities, Chelsea High School offers a variety of programs for students who are found eligible for special education and related services. Chelsea High School has approximately two hundred students who receive some form of specialized instruction and/or services. Students may receive special education services within one or more of several possible settings, including the Inclusion program, the Learning Center program, and the Functional Academics and Basic Skills programs. Placement in special education programs is determined based on eligibility criteria, and educational programs are developed according to individual student needs. Students receive services within a least restrictive environment, which allows them maximum participation in regular education programs.

Educational programs are individualized to meet the needs of each student, and therefore, students may attend all core classes within one specific program, or they may attend a combination of classes within several programs. All of our special education programs seek to provide students with opportunities to achieve academic excellence. Students who attend Inclusion and Learning Center classes are expected to fulfill district requirements for graduation, and upon passing MCAS exams, are eligible to graduate with a high school diploma. Students who attend Functional Academics and Basic Skills classes are eligible to graduate with a certificate of attendance, and may be eligible for a post-graduate program and transitional services. The three programs are described below.

Inclusion Program: Students determined to be eligible for special education services within the inclusion setting have access to the general curriculum, and attend classes with students in regular education. Inclusion courses are taught collaboratively, by a general education teacher, with a special education teacher who is in the classroom several times per week. This model allows the needs of all students to be met within the regular classroom setting. Special education teachers also provide direct services to students within the general education classroom several class periods per week.

Learning Center Program: The Learning Center Program provides specialized instruction to students with learning needs that require a substantially separate setting. Learning Center courses follow a modified curriculum that is consistent with state curriculum guidelines. Classes have fewer students and are taught by special education teachers. Students may attend learning center classes in one or more of the core content areas (English, math, science, social studies).

Functional Academics and Basic Skills: Students who receive services within the Functional Academics or Basic Skills programs focus primarily on basic academic skills, vocational skills, and daily living skills for multiple settings (home, school, community). Curriculum is specially designed to meet students' individual needs. Students attend a small, substantially separate classroom setting for the majority of the school day, and they are eligible to take elective courses within the general education setting.

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