Curriculum
     Clearway School's curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and prepares students for MCAS testing while still balancing the individual needs of students outlined in their IEPs.  In order to achieve this, a team approach is utilized.  Teachers meet weekly with the Curriculum Director and the Speech and Language Pathologist to plan and adapt the curriculum to meet each student's needs.  All students are offered substantial organizational and technological support as well as multi-modal instruction.  Each day is structured so that students begin the day with four core subjects (which they refer to as their "academic" classes) and then end their day with "elective" classes that typically meet one or two periods per week. 
   The four core subject areas are:

1. English – English classes meet six periods per week.  All English classes consist of extensive instruction in reading and literature, composition, and language development. All Clearway teachers are trained in Project Read:Framing Your Thoughts and Empower.
   
   
   1. Reading and Literature – Students in all curriculum levels read a core of important works of literature from various genres including mythology, poetry, short stories, nonfiction, drama, and novels.  Substantial emphasis is placed on teaching reading comprehension strategies.  Remediation of specific skills including work on phonics, fluency, and spelling may be incorporated into English classrooms as needed.
      
      
      
   2. Composition – All English classrooms recognize writing as an essential tool to develop, clarify, and communicate ideas.  Students are instructed in the writing process (prewriting/planning, first draft, revision, editing, and publication/evaluation).  Students work on a variety of forms of writing throughout the year including persuasive essays, comparison/contrast essays, research reports, creative writing, informational essays, descriptive essays, and applied writing.  Instruction is provided at the sentence, paragraph, 5-paragraph, and multiple page level depending on the individual needs of the students.  All students are provided access to computers for the writing process.  All Clearway English teachers have been trained in Project Read: Framing Your Thoughts and Empower
      
      
   3. Language – All English classrooms provide direct instruction in the structure and form of language, grammar, and punctuation.  In addition, students receive extensive opportunity to work on verbal expression, vocabulary and oral presentation.  Each classroom develops rules of discussion which students implement  when participating in group discussions.

2. Mathematics – Mathematics classes meet five periods per week.  In all classes, students maintain a reference binder or rules notebook to assist them with organization; in addition, every class uses graphing calculators extensively.  All classes utilize hands-on instruction, real-world applications, and connections to other disciplines; the extent to which these methods are used is based on the individual needs of the students.  Students receive direct instruction in problem-solving strategies as well as methods for effective partner or group work.  Clearway School has offered a variety of courses depending on the individual needs of current students.  Courses offered have included Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Integrated Mathematics 1, 2, and 3; Geometry; Pre-Calculus and Calculus.

3. Science – Science classes meet five periods per week.  Clearway science classes have a substantial hands-on component including labs and demonstrations.  Each class stresses reading comprehension strategies, scientific inquiry, vocabulary development, current issues in science, writing, and mathematics applications.  All Clearway texts provide numerous Internet links to provide visualizations, simulations, vocabulary reinforcement, and links to science web site for further information.  Clearway School has offered academic classes in Biology, Earth Science, Physics, Life Science, Physical Science, and Environmental Science.  In addition, Clearway has offered elective science classes in Chemistry, Marine Biology, Technology, Computer Science, Environmental Science and Technology/Engineering that meet 1 period per week.

4.  Social Studies – Social studies classes meet five periods per week.  Every social studies class stresses economic issues, the role of geography, civics, writing and the research report, reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and modern connections.  In each class, students complete one major project or paper per quarter.  Teachers make extensive use of role playing activities, videos, and Internet sources to assist students in understanding key concepts.  Clearway School has offered academic social studies classes in Ancient History, Geography, World History I and II, US History I and II, and Civics (Government and Economics).  

In addition, Clearway School assigns students to the following specialist areas based on each student’s Individualized Educational Plan.

Speech and Language
   Students who receive speech and language services will be assigned to small groups with the Speech and Language Pathologist focused on language development and our five-step pragmatic language curriculum that addresses the nonverbal and verbal aspects of communicative exchanges.  Many students receive speech and language instruction in small groups and within their core or "academic" classes.

Vocational/Post Graduate Curriculum
   The Clearway School vocational curriculum was developed to meet the needs of the students from an introductory level through postgraduate status.  The entire vocational process is diagnostic in nature to develop the most appropriate vocational program for each student.  While students enter the program with different skills and needs, it is the ultimate goal for each student to be successful in a work-study job in the community.  There are three courses offered in this curriculum area.  Vocational exploration is offered prior to a work-study position and provides an introduction to the world of work including tours of various work environments.  Work-study allows students to have a work experience closely supervised by our Vocational Counselor and on-site supervisor.  The Transition Planning Class provides students with the opportunity to identify and research appropriate college and post graduate programs.  Over the course of the year students make guided visits to representative samples of 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, transitional programs and job-training programs. Students will also receive assistance with identifying the appropriate adult resources available to help with their transition out of high school.

Social Group
   Placement into social groups is based on diagnosis or identified need.  Social groups typically meet one time per week and are not therapeutic in nature. Some students meet with the school counselor in an activity-based group, which focuses on social and peer interactions, how to make and keep friends, and tolerance of peers.  Other students take part in discussion-based groups that focus on adolescent issues including managing transitions, disability awareness, and decision-making.