Courses Being Added to S.A.I.L. Program

As the enters its fourth year, administrators are looking to add further courses to present a practical, well-rounded education to its students.

"We're excited to be able to offer these courses," Ridgewood High School Principal Jack Lorenz told the school board last Monday night in an overall discussion of curriculum changes at the high school.

The S.A.I.L. program counts just under 20 students who have a range of general neurological disorders while others may be classifiied with ADHD, high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome.

The special needs community at RHS , where many managers are reluctant to hire those with special needs.

Lorenz on Monday said he hopes S.A.I.L. students will be working on pragmatic communication skills in S.A.I.L. English 12, a course designed to focus on writing and developing strong job resumes, effective presentation techniques, as well as good e-mail etiquette.

In Civics 12, students will learn the inner workings of government, Lorenz said. From council meetings to school board discussions, students will stay abreast on how government functions (and potentially, doesn't function).

S.A.I.L. 12 will also have an environmental science class focusing on sustainable energy. Students will complete an energy audit at home as a course requirement, the principal stated.

Additionally, the math program will focus on activities that "really help kids become effective consumers," Lorenz said. The course will key in on how to manage insurance paperwork, banking, and the little things in life that present challenges for just about everybody.

School board member Sheila Brogan said there had been concern would lead to cuts to the special education initiatives, but she remarked that she believed those fears to be unfounded.

The courses, if approved by the school board Dec. 5, will commence in September of 2012 for the 2012-2013 school year.