Students attending Las Vegas Schools who are need of special programs need not fear they will be ignored. In fact, every single student attending one of the many Las Vegas Schools can count on the fact that there is at least one, if not more, programs in place to serve their educational needs. These are magnet programs, special education, accelerated/honors programs, as well as other programs to support transitional bilingual students, and specialty learning experiences including “Safe and Drug Free Schools”, “School-to-Careers” and “Math and Science Enhancement”.
MAGNET PROGRAMS
Available to all students, Las Vegas Schools magnet programs are schools where students have many different choices in areas of study. Choices include aerospace and aviation, information technologies, performing and fine arts, communications, law prepatory programs, health services, travel and tourism, and engineering. Any student may apply to attend one of these magnet programs. Of course, they are not all offered at every grade level; but students who have decided on a career pathway that matches with these offerings can attend one of these schools confident in the knowledge that they will be preparing themselves for the future. Offering a choice in which of the Las Vegas Schools a student attends helps make the learning experience more valuable, and one that students and their families are more likely to stick with.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
There are many students attending Las Vegas Schools that are in need of special education programs. Services are provided for Las Vegas Schools students with
disabilities ages 3 to 21. School teams collaborate with families to offer quality learning experiences and prepare students with disabilities for life after school. Neighborhood schools are the focus for providing services, and a full range of options are available
to meet students’ needs. Disabilities can include students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, those with mental, physical, and emotional handicaps. These kids cannot be ignored by the school system, and deserve the best Las Vegas Schools education they can possibly get.
ACCELERATED/HONORS PROGRAMS
Beginning in 3rd grade, students attending one of the elementary Las Vegas Schools can participate in a “Gifted and Talented Education Program” offered to students in grades
3-5, students can be submitted to enter the program through parent or teacher request. Las Vegas Schools students being considered for this program are typically evaluated with an IQ test, teacher and parent surveys, as well as a general knowledge test. They are then granted access to one of these Las Vegas Schools program based on how well they have done on these assessments. In addition, all secondary Las Vegas Schools offer an “Honors Program” that provides a highly rigorous curriculum. Students may also select from Advanced Placement courses or choose to earn an honors or an advanced diploma. Participation in these programs also improves the success of the school overall.
SPECIALTY LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Las Vegas Schools offer transitional bilingual and English as a second language programs, as well as numerous alternative education options for high school students. The district also uses outside resources to meet students’ needs through supplemental programs mentioned above.
By: Patricia Hawke
Posts Tagged ‘Schools Students’
Special Programs Available in Las Vegas Schools
December 21st, 2009Long Island Schools Finally Showing Improvement
December 19th, 2009
For much of the nation, the state of New York appears to be the mecca of all things hip; cool neighborhoods, awesome theater and excellent museums. Professional sports abound throughout the state and many, many people flock to New York every year believing that if “they can make it there, they can make it anywhere!” Even the educational standards and teacher pay appear to be greatly desirable for educators and parents alike. However, not all schools are excellent; many in fact, have not been able to meet state and federal standards for success. Long Island Schools have, however, shown marked improvement over the last 4 years in resolving this problem.
Long Island Schools Report Cards
Recent state report cards which reflect how well a school is doing in regards to state academic goals show that Long Island Schools demonstrate marked improvement. Over 30 Long Island Schools have not been able to meet the criteria in the past. For the most part, these Long Island Schools have been able to improve their ratings and have thus met the state requirements as well as the federal ones resulting from the No Child Left Behind Act.
What’s interesting are the reasons given for why these schools have not been up to snuff in the first place. Nearly all the failing Long Island Schools cite poor education for special ed students as the reason for the schools’ failure. Why, in the 21st century, is this school district just now realizing that these students need extra attention? Special education students are those with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. These Long Island Schools’ students must receive special training in order to meet academic standards put forth by Long Island Schools themselves.
Special Education in Long Island Schools
It is not to be said that special education students cannot learn or meet the academic goals set for them by Long Island Schools. However, they do need special accommodations in order for them to learn and perform at the top of their game. Oftentimes, these students are exceptionally bright; they just aren’t wired like the mainstream student population. They need and deserve a strong educational program that is sensitive to their needs and helps them reach the expectations set forth by the Long Island Schools.
It is nearly unbelievable to me that Long Island Schools didn’t know this in the first place. Despite the fact that most kids learn in spite of us, there are quite a lot of kids who definitely do need our help. Making sure to have an adequate number of teachers and support staff on the payroll as well as the proper facilities is a given. There is no reason why a majority of these kids can’t be held to the same standards as their mainstream peers; they simply require special accommodations. Why Long Island Schools were lax in this is a question that only they can answer.
By: Patricia Hawke
