The Liberty Union High School District provides programs and services to identified students with disabilities. The specialized instruction and services are intended to address the unique needs of each child, regardless of the type or severity of the disability.In the Liberty Union High School district, a general education teacher, special education teacher, related service provider, or any combination of providers may provide the instructional support services.

504 Accommodation Plans

A 504 student is a child who has a recorded physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including working and learning). This includes those students who are not eligible for special education and those students who meet the eligibility criteria under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodation plans are designed to assist teachers and students in the general education classroom.

IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that the school, in conjunction with the parents and other professionals, develop an Individualized Education Plan for each student with an identified disability. The IEP describes the level at which the student is performing, and it identifies specific services (e.g. in class support, tutorial support classes, or essential academics taught in special education classes ) the student requires to address his or her specific needs. The IEP and related special education services are provided at no cost to families. Each year, the IEP is revised based on the student's progress and needs.

ExCEL (Excellence: A Commitment to Every Learner) Project

Through the ExCEL Project, special education, 504, English Learner, and Title 1 students at the comprehensive sites are supported in the general education environment by a variety of service providers including teachers,paraprofessionals, peer tutors, and community volunteers. Special Education students are enrolled in tutorial support classes taught by special education teachers.

Applied Academics Academy

The courses of study in the "Triple A" pathway are designed for special education students who can be successfully employed citizens upon completion of their high school education but may be unable to complete all of the requirements for a standard high school diploma and/or pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). Students must complete the required credits and are then awarded a Certificate of Educational Achievement.

The School to Employment Program (STEP) courses within the Academy provide experiential community based learning opportunities focused on Personal Management and Career Education. The student's STEP portfolio includes a competency checklist for each course completed.

Transition Partnership Program

Transition Partnership programs are available at both Liberty and Freedom. TPP is an elective class that assists in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are clients of the Department of Rehabilitation.

Matrix

The Liberty Union High School District Matrix programs are for students who, because of social/ emotional issues, cannot access their educational needs in a traditional setting. The district operates two Matrix classes, one at Independence High and the other at Freedom High. Mental Health and Psychological services are accessed through the Matrix programs. Decisions to place a student in the classes are made at the IEP meeting with approval by the parents.

Lifeskills

There are three lifeskills classes in the district, one at Freedom High and 2 on the Liberty High campus. These special programs serve severely handicapped students. Functional academics and an adaptive living skills curriculum are provided by certificated special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and other service providers. Students participate as appropriate in other site-based camus activities.

Gateway Program

The Gateway Program is provided for eligible special education students ages 18-22. It is designed to create opportunities for students to become independent and self sufficient. The Gateway staff provides assistance to students who may need adult service support for gainful employment and development of adult living skills. This program is a structured pathway for students to meet educational as well as employment goals and dreams.

Related Services

 

Speech Services

Occasionally, a Liberty district student may require speech and language services as part of his/ her educational program. The district employs a part-time speech therapist to provide necessary therapy as stipulated in each student’s IEP.

Psychological Services

Four full-time School Psychologists are employed by the Liberty District and provide assessment and counseling at each site.

Nursing Services

A part-time registered nurse is available to the district for vision and hearing screenings and consultation for specialized health care plans as needed.

 

Other Placement Options

Students whose educational needs cannot be addressed by district operated programs may be placed in programs operated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Liberty Transition, which offers services for severely and multiply- handicapped students, is a county program located on the Liberty High campus. Some students’ educational needs are appropriately met in a non-public school setting. Placement decisions are made by the IEP team and the student’s parents.