HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

The High School program offers a comprehensive instructional program for grades 9th through 12th which has been designed to meet the varying educational needs of students.

ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for placement in the High School Program at KSD is determined through the Individual Education Program (IEP) process. First, parents must contact the school district in which they reside, often referred to as the Local Education Agency (LEA). An IEP team, comprised of parents and school personnel, will determine placement of the child based on special education and related services needs of the child. If placement at KSD is being considered, the Director of Admissions from KSD will be contacted so that school personnel from the High School team at KSD can attend the IEP meeting as well.

CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT

The Kansas Board of Education has established challenging curricular standards for all students in the core areas of reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and writing. The Kansas State Extended Standards are designed for those who receive instruction focusing on Life Skills. KSD has taken those standards and created curriculums based on the objectives identified by the state and then identified materials and strategies to teach the curriculum.

- Students at specific grade levels participate in state assessments. Students can qualify to take assessments with accommodations (e.g. signed directions and extended time), assessments with modification (e.g. same content information but vocabulary and language is more controlled), and alternate assessments (for students who receive their core academics based on the extended standards).

- Students in 10th grade take math assessments annually.

- Students in 11th grade take reading assessments annually.

- Students in 10th grade take science assessments every other year.

- Students in 11th grade take social studies assessments every other year.

- Stanford Achievement Tests D/HH are given during alternating year.

- Local assessments are administered to determine students' present levels of educational performance. Local assessments include STAR Reading, STAR Math, End of year math assessment, 6-Trait Writing and curriculum based assessments and informal reading inventories.

- Students going through a 3-year re-evaluation receive testing in all required areas: audiology, psycho-educational, academic, communication (speech and ASL), health/physical, and social-emotional. Students are also assessed with the Visual Listening Assessment Tool (VLAT).In order to continue to meet the needs of all students at KSD, ongoing work is carried out through curriculum committees to ensure that every student receives the quality education they deserve.

LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE

- KSD offers a barrier-free language environment for students.

- KSD is a dual language school where both American Sign Language (ASL) and English are equally respected and taught.

- Students have complete access to the curriculum and extra-curricular activities in their primary language.

- Students receive direct instruction in their primary language and have social opportunities with peers who can communicate fluently in their shared language.

_ Speech/language services are available to students who demonstrate the need for such support as determined by the student's IEP.

- American Sign Language (ASL) tutoring is available for students who demonstrate the need for such support.

SERVICE LEARNING
Click here to view Service Learning information.

CAREER CENTER
Click here to view Career Center information.

TRANSITION SERVICES
Click here to view additional Transition information.

ROBERTS LIBRARY
Click here to view information on Roberts Library.

CONSORTIUM

MAINSTREAM

There are programs outside of KSD made available for those who wish to pursue a certain field or interest. High School students have the option of enrolling in classes at their neighborhood schools, Olathe North High School (located five blocks north of KSD), or technical education courses offered at other high schools in the district. ASL interpreters for students enrolling in mainstream classes will be provided as well as notetakers. Modifications are considered to ensure student success.

Any student wanting to enroll in class(es) will be determined by the IEP team along with the consideration for dual placements based on the following criteria:

- The extent to which a student is able to function at or near grade level in a classroom with hearing peers.

- A student's expressive and receptive language.

- The ability to attend to and benefit from an interpreter for an extended period of time.

- Motivation and the ability to work independently.

- Parental support of each placement.

- Scheduling implications (e.g. availability of desired subject areas at a time which will not preclude involvement in other required or desired courses at KSD)

- A students overall social maturity, self-awareness, and flexibility in dealing positively with situations encountered in inclusion

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Technical education programs are offered at three sites in the Olathe School District: Olathe North (ON), Olathe Northwest (ONW) & Millcreek Center. Courses are offered for 11th and 12th grade students in the following areas:¨

- Auto Collision Technology (Millcreek)¨
- Automotive Technology (Millcreek)¨
- Computer Systems Networking (ONW)¨
- Construction Technology (Millcreek)¨ Culinary Arts (ON)¨ Graphic Arts / Animation (ONW)¨
- Health Careers (ON)¨
- Landscape Science (ON)¨
- Welding Technology (Millcreek)

KSD students may apply during their sophomore year. Upon application, a student will be scheduled for an assessment to determine whether the student can benefit from the training offered. Technical education programs are primarily two-year programs with the intent of preparing the student for job entry skills upon completion of the program. Both morning and afternoon sessions are offered. Most classes are three-hour blocks.

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (JCCC)

JCCC Quick Step
Qualified KSD students are able to enroll in courses at JCCC with full support services. Students must complete all required courses first, then pass a placement test, and be recommended for placement by a committee made up of the JCCC Coordinator of the Program for the Deaf, the High School Head Teacher, and Director of Instruction at KSD.

The purpose of concurrent enrollment is two-fold. To provide advanced level courses for the most academically capable students and to provide courses which are not available at KSD. Students are able to earn college credit for college level courses and credit toward their high school diploma simultaneously.

To be eligible for participation, students who are recommended must agree to sign the Concurrent Enrollment Contract.

TESTING INFORMATION

Kansas State Assessments

Kansas State Assessments will be administered to grade 10 students in Mathematics and Science. Students in grade 11 will be administered Kansas State Assessments in Reading and Social Studies.

HIGH SCHOOL

The senior high school consists of grades 9th through 12th. The focus of the high school program is on the post secondary planning such as preparation for employment, advanced education and/or training, volunteerism, and independent living skills.

Students receiving the Kansas Board of Education diplomas must complete the minimum graduation requirements of 25 credits. All high school students are consulted with the Transition Facilitator and academic advisor each school year regarding selection of course offerings to meet the requirements for graduation as well as their vocational choice or colleges.

A more rigorous program is offered for students who intend to pursue advanced education and/or career fields.

DETERMINATION OF GRADUATION

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (MINIMUM) CLASS OF 2005 - 2008

Language Arts (3 English) 6 units
Government 1/2 unit
Economic Consumer Education 1/2 unit
Modern World History 1 unit
American History 1 unit
Science (1 as a laboratory course) 2 units
Computer Applications 1/2 unit
Mathematics 3 units
Physical Education 1 unit
Vocational Education 4 units
Deaf Studies 1 unit
Electives 4 1/2 units
Total Units: 25

It is proposed that beginning with the freshman class of 2005-2006, additional units are required by the State Board of Education, and thus, the first graduation class completing the new unit requirements would be the Class of 2009.

CLASS OF 2009 & 2010

Language Arts (3 English) 6 units
U.S. Government 1/2 unit
Kansas History & Government 1/2 unit
Economic Consumer Education 1/2 unit
Modern World History 1/2 unit
American History 1 unit
Science (1 as a laboratory course) 3 units
Fine Arts 1 unit
Computer Applications 1/2 unit
Mathematics 3 units
Physical Education 1 unit
Vocational Education 3 units
Deaf Studies 1 unit
Electives 3 1/2 units
Total Units: 25

NOTE: Determination of graduation requirements to be followed is made at the student's IEP and transition meeting.

ALTERNATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Required Courses:

Life Studies Integrated Language Arts / Math 6 units
Life Studies Modified U.S. History 1 unit
Life Skills Modified U.S. Government 1/2 unit
Career / Vocational Training 8 units
Physical Education 1 unit

Suggested Electives / IEP Stipulations

L.S. Physical / Earth Science 1 unit
L.S. Geography 1 unit
Modified Kansas History 1/2 unit
Introduction to Driver Education 1/2 unit
L.S. Applied Technology 1 unit
L.S. Health 1/2 unit
L.S. Safety 1/2 unit
L.S. Deaf Studies / American Sign Language 1/2 unit
L.S. Family and Consumer Sciences 2 units
Other Elective 1 unit
Total Units: 25

CREDITS

Placement in one of the upper three (3) levels of senior high school is based on the graduation requirements completed.

Class of 2005 & Future Classes

Sophomore 6 units
Junior 12 units
Senior 18 units

Eight (8) units of credit in Language Arts, four (4) units in Mathematics, and three (3) units in Science is recommended for students planning to attend an institution of higher education. It is recommended that students preparing for college schedule a full academic load each of their four (4) years, completing a minimum of 25 units of credit. Seniors will be informed when all graduation requirements have been completed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS DEAF STUDIES

Deaf Studies is a required course for graduation. This course consists of six units, which include Identity, American Deaf Culture, American Sign Language (ASL), strategies for effective communication, cultural perspectives, education of Deaf children, and protecting Deaf rights.

SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning is designed for student volunteers to perform community service that emphasizes learning and caring. Volunteer experiences are integrated with academic course work on and off campus. The Service Learning Coordinator must approve all proposals prior to doing the projects. Students are expected to earn a total of 64 hours of Service Learning in four years in order to graduate.

Click here to view the mandatory Service Learning requirements.

SENIOR PORTFOLIOS

Senior portfolios will be done during seminar at the Career Center. Their portfolios will consist of information [documentation of service learning projects, resume, apprenticeship, internship, work experience, job shadowing and other projects] they need for their post secondary occupation, training, or college.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Body Council (SBC): An elected student governing body consisting of high school students. The purpose of SBC is:
- To promote the welfare of the school.
- To encourage self-government.
- To develop a sense of responsibility among the students.¨ To assist in furthering regular activities of the school and dormitory.

Junior National Association of the Deaf/Junior Kansas Association of the Deaf: KSD is a chapter of the Junior National Association for the Deaf (Jr. NAD) and the Junior Kansas Association for the Deaf (Jr. KAD). High school students have the opportunity to become voluntary members of the Jr. KAD. The purpose of the Jr. KAD is as follows:
-To empower students through partnerships in leadership, citizenship, human communication, and teamwork.
- To provide students with unlimited opportunities for contributions to the development of their school and community.

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Academic Bowl: Two competitions occur in the spring time when students compete in the regional academic bowl competition sponsored by the Gallaudet University and the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf.

Close Up Program: Selected students travel to Washington, D.C. for the one week Close Up program and learn about the civic program, study US government in action, tour the government buildings, learn about the law-making process, and many others.

Performing Arts: Students have opportunities to write, act, and be part of the stage crew in at least two dramatic productions per year.

Job Olympics: The annual competition is the showcase of the talents of high school students with disabilities. The focus of the competition is in the areas of work habits and work skills.

Oratorical Competition: There are two annual oratorical competitions sponsored by the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf (GPSD) and the Optimist organization. The Optimist group gives scholarships to the winners of the statewide competition.

Community Services: In addition to service learning, high school students and staff participate twice a year in community service projects.

TESTING INFORMATION

Kansas State Assessments

Kansas State Assessments will be administered to grade 10 students in Mathematics and Science. Students in grades 8 and 11 will be administered Kansas State Assessments in Reading and Social Studies.

American College Testing (ACT)

The ACT is an achievement-oriented test used by colleges for admissions purposes. The ACT is made up of four subtests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning. Students receive a score of 1-36 for each subtest and a composite score.In addition to being used for college admission purposes. The ACT is also required for admission to certain special programs such as nursing and dental hygiene.Colleges in the Midwest generally prefer the ACT. Students should take the ACT in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year.Two to five test dates are available each year for students who need or desire additional dates. Registration packets are available in the Career Center office.

Stanford Achievement Test - Hearing Impaired (SAT-HI)

The Stanford Achievement Test, 9th Edition (Standard 9) is a widely used achievement test. It was designed to measure achievement in the curriculum content commonly taught in grades 1 through 9 throughout the United States. This test is very widely used with deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Stanford 9 is available at eight difficulty levels which measure content that is considered appropriate for hearing students in specific grades in school.