Special Education

Triton High School has a strong philosophical belief that inclusive education takes priority over segregated programming whenever possible, promoting the highest degree of inclusion for all students with disabilities. Academic support is provided within the general education classroom as required in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), with general and special education teachers and staff working cooperatively to promote the success of their common students. Special education staff provides specially designed instruction based on the individual student’s needs. Counseling, speech and language, occupational and physical therapy services are also provided as determined by each student’s IEP.

Additionally, Triton High School offers several programs for students who have more significant or varying needs. Placement in these programs is determined by an IEP team.

Essential Skills Program is for students whose needs require a higher degree of support and modification to access the curriculum in the general education classroom. Students in this program may also participate in small group Essential English and Essential Math classes where significant modifications focus on helping students build basic skills while preparing for MCAS and meeting common core standards.

REACH (Triton’s Alternative Program) is designed for students whose emotional and academic needs are best addressed in a separate therapeutic setting. The program works to instill the importance of education while modeling appropriate social and emotional relationships. Students access the curriculum and address common core standards to prepare for MCAS and meet high school graduation requirements. The program teaches students coping strategies and skills that will enable them to be successful in mainstream classes and the community.

Triton Learning Center (TLC) is for students whose cognitive profiles require significant modification to access the curriculum. This program provides opportunities for 1:1 instruction as well as inclusion in the general education environment. Programming addresses functional academics, life skills and vocational training designed to meet the varying needs of each student.

Staff Members
The Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center is a referral program for students who are experiencing a lack of academic progress associated with a variety of causes.  Referred students may be underperforming in classes and/or missing assignments due to organizational difficulties.  Some students may have unhealthy attitudes leading to anxiety and stress in the classroom; while others may have academic weaknesses that impede their academic success.  The goal of this program is for students to have the support necessary to become independent learners while being challenged and successful in their academic classes.

The Academic Support Center is a safe, accepting, cooperative learning environment where students of varied grades, abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to work together to develop skills for accessing the curriculum. Students are encouraged to socialize, build relationships, work cooperatively and develop social emotional, as well as academic skills.  Belonging to a community of peers and interacting with supportive teachers allows students to feel comfortable and confident taking academic risks and putting forth their best efforts.  Students will learn from each other and meet peers from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

For a student to enter the program they need to be referred by a teacher, counselor, administrator or parent. Students may also refer themselves by discussing with their guidance counselor and/or administrator.

The Academic Support Center Referral Process:

  1. An online referral sheet is filled out and submitted to the Academic Support Center teacher.
  2. Once accepted, students will attend the Academic Support Center during study halls and together with the teacher, will identify areas of academic strengths and weaknesses.
  3. The student and teacher will identify strategies to overcome specific academic challenges and will develop an informal improvement plan.
  4. Student progress will be monitored through progress reports, report cards and consistent communication with classroom teachers and parents.

The improvement plan may include instruction to develop techniques for organization, long term planning strategies, the completion of credit recovery courses, as well as facilitating extra help from classroom teachers.  Students will learn strategies for managing stress and anxiety in the classroom, as well as techniques to manage homework expectations.  Students will learn how to advocate for their own needs, as well as how to communicate effectively and appropriately with teachers.

The Academic Support Center teacher will communicate with classroom teachers, parents, counselors and administration to ensure that students are supported and held to a high standard of academic performance and behavior.  In some circumstances, there may be a referral made to Special Education, Guidance or to the School Adjustment Counselor if other issues are uncovered. Academic Support Center teachers will teach students skills to make them independent learners in high school and beyond, whether they enroll in college, technical programs, the military or the workforce.  Students will be given opportunities in the Academic Support Center to explore their post-graduation opportunities to decide which is the best path for each individual.

Please contact Carla Wagner with questions, [email protected]

What students say about the Academic Support Center:

  • “Very helpful and not judge mental.”
  • “A place where you will feel welcomed no matter what and the teachers are always willing to help you with anything.”
  • “A place where you can receive, as well as give, help to those confused or simply in the need of assistance.”
  • “Academic support is a classroom that certain students attend that need a boost in their studies.”
  • “A place where teachers help you get work done, while also having fun.”
  • “A way to stay on top of work and help with not becoming overwhelmed.”
  • “A place to go and work.”
  • “The Academic Support Center is a classroom you can go to if you have trouble with staying focused or organized and just need a push in the right direction.”