Coursework/ Curriculum

The St. Francis Academy is a Language Based Instructional program using Direct Instruction. Students are evaluated by the Child Study Team at the beginning of the school year. The Child Study Team consists of the Student's parents, the Exceptional Education Teacher, the Director of Guidance, the Academic Advisor, and a Learning Specialist. In addition to following the Service Plan, the Child Study team will determine the course load for the student for the year. These metrics will provide the necessary information to customize our program and instruction to target student needs.

Monthly goals are set for each child and parents will be notified of the student's progress each month.

Coursework is modified and individualized per student needs. Students will enter at the grade level equivalent to their chronological age. If a student does not receive a passing grade, they will repeat the course until a passing grade is received. Students will be working towards mastery of the Sunshine State Standards for Special Diploma

(http://www.paec.org/resources/FloridaCurriculumFrameworks/main/standards/special diploma/standardsall.odft

The domains for the Standards include:

• Curriculum and Learning Environment
• Independent Functioning
• Social and Emotional Behavior
• Communication

Modified Inclusion

Modified inclusion is determined by the Child Study Team and the Service Plan. In general, the criteria for inclusion are the student's ability to be successful in the included environment. Focusing on the individual assures inclusion to be a positive and rewarding learning experience. To the greatest extent possible, our goal is to integrate each Saint Francis Academy student into the life of the entire Melbourne Central Catholic High School environment.

Course Modifications

Course modifications authorized for use with Saint Francis Academy students include:

• Increase or decrease of instructional time
• Variation of the instructional methodology
• Utilization of a special communication systems by the student or the teacher