Instruction
Special Education Instruction
high quality teaching and learning in every classroom.
From preschool and the early elementary years to high school and career readiness programs, the instructional support teams equip schools, teachers, related services staff, para-educators, parents, and students with the tools and strategies for learning in the 21st Century.
Our instructional support teams provide support and services to help all students with disabilities succeed in school and transition to a productive life with meaningful experiences in college and/or careers.
K-12 Instructional Programs
No two students are the same. Each student and each student’s abilities are different
The purpose of the Special Education's Department of Instruction is to assist special education teachers and District staff in working collaboratively with students and families to develop and implement the Individualized Education Program that is tailored to students’ individualized needs.
Although it was once believed that students with disabilities should be taught together in separate settings apart from other children, we now know that all students benefit when all students are educated together in inclusive classrooms and schools. For more information of inclusion, visit our Instruction Inclusion page.
Alternate/Modified Curriculum
The Alternate Curriculum
LAUSD alternate curriculum programs and inclusion service support provide students with academic instruction, employment readiness, and social skills instruction to be prepared for independent living and employment. The course of study includes English language arts, math, social studies, science, life skills and social skills. The alternate curriculum is modified standards-based core curriculum designed for students with moderate-severe disabilities who are not able to access the core general education curriculum without significant modifications.
Core Curriculum Instructional Programs (Mild/Moderate)
LAUSD’s Core Curriculum Programs support students with the accommodations and services needed to participate in the general education curriculum. Students with disabilities deserve access to the same rigor and grade level Common Core standards that their general education peers receive so they are prepared for success in college and careers. In order to meet these high expectations, students with disabilities receive instruction that incorporates supports such as Universal Design for Learning, instructional accommodations and/or access to assistive technology.
Deaf Education Program
The Deaf* Education Program serves eligible students with documented hearing differences that may impact their language, communication skills, and access to the core curriculum. Services are provided to students from ages 3 to 22 in Itinerant or Deaf Education Special Day Classes.
In accordance with the California Department of Education, The Los Angeles Unified School District
- Accepts and respects all languages.
- Accepts and respects all communication supports (i.e., ASL/English Interpreters, assistive listening devices, hearing technology, captioning, etc.).
- Accepts and respects all educational approaches in the education of Deaf children (i.e., ASL, English, and students’ heritage languages).
To meet Deaf students’ unique language, communication, and hearing access needs, the Deaf Education Program consists of:
- Audiology
- Itinerant Program
- Special Day Programs, both ASL/English Bilingual and Listening & Spoken English
- Deaf Education Learning Center
For more information, visit [link to main Deaf Education Program page] or contact Janette Durán, Deaf Education Coordinator: [email protected]
Transition Services (DOTS)
District Office of Transition Services (DOTS)
The transition process prepares students for adult life by focusing on the areas of post-secondary education, employment, community participation, and independent living skills. Visit our DOTS Webpage for more information.
Visual Impairment (VI) Program
The Visually Impaired (VI) program provides services to students ages 3-22 with visual impairments whose vision loss meets the legal standard as either legally blind or partially sighted and negatively impacts their ability to access core curriculum and/or acquire the skills necessary to participate in fundamental life activities. BPS service delivery options include instruction from an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) in the following settings: the general education classroom, the special education classroom, a specially equipped low incidence learning center (LILC) or resource room. The TVI instructs students with visual impairments in the use of the specialized materials and equipment necessary to access the curriculum including, but not limited to, specialized books, materials, braille and accompanying devices, large type, audio recordings, tactual diagrams and technological aids. Additional support services include Orientation and Mobility, Braille transcription and reader services for the blind. Teachers of the visually impaired implement the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) in their instruction to address the student’s unique educational needs to access the same academic or alternative curriculum as their sighted peers.
Position Paper:
Blind/Partially Sighted (BPS) - Visual Impairment (VI) - Fall 2016
For more information, contact Low Incidence Programs:
(213) 241-8051