A peek at the Special Education Program

Related Content

Last 3 stories in People

• Meet Tobias Dienstfrey
• Meet Maureen Hunt
• Student spotlight: Jae Min Kim

Other stories that might interest you...

• Meet Tobias Dienstfrey
• Meet Maureen Hunt
• Impression by expression

December 10, 2009
Filed under People

AHS is comprised of students from all walks of life, and every student is unique in their own special way. The students who are a part of the special education program are certainly no different.
Although divided by specific classrooms and curriculum, students within the special education program can relate to other students at AHS in countless ways. They enjoy the rewarding aspects of hard work, struggle to overcome the stresses that arrive with a typical day at school, and have similar common interests and hobbies as many other AHS students.

“I love to swim at the pool in the summer and hang out with my friends and family,” said Brenna Barry.

The special education program at AHS has expanded immensely in recent years, and is now comprised of students with different levels of disabilities.

“We have students in the program with autism, others with intellectual disabilities and also some students with severe intellectual disabilities,” said teacher, Christine Passut.

The students are divided into specific classes tailored to fit their ability to comprehend new topics and lessons, as well as their differing disabilities. Their schedules are comprised of classes closely similar to those other AHS students are enrolled in such as history, math, reading, physical education, and biology. On top of these challenging courses, a life skills class is also included in their daily agenda.

“In the life skills class, the students participate in the world awareness transition program (WAT),” said Passut. “The WAT program sets our students up with jobs at sites in various places in the community.”

The special education students can be found in various places on the outskirts of the AHS campus such as Magills, Safeway, and the public library. Through the life skills classes and involvement in local jobs, the students learn basic skills necessary for living independently. They become more aware of a self-sufficient lifestyle and are better prepared for the future that lies ahead.
“When I’m older I want to be a firefighter to save people’s lives,” said Patrick Sheehy.

Not only do the special education students stay active in the community, but they also participate within the school. Just like many other well-rounded students, they perform kind acts of service to better the environment.

“For the last few years the students in the program have picked up the classroom recycling bins,” said Passut. “We have to divide the students into groups for the collection to be completed once a month.”

The students who are a part of the special education program undoubtedly add to the diversity of the student body at AHS. Although they have their differences from AHS students in standard-level classes, they also have countless similarities. They are just like everyone else in that they overcome challenges and enjoy life. They play sports, hang out with friends, and treasure the wonderful aspects of life just as other AHS students do. Walking down the halls of school without seeing a smile on one of their faces would be a rare occasion indeed, and the special education department is undeniably a wonderful program.