Course Syllabus:

Unique Learning System (ULS) Functional Skills, Academics Skills, and Life Skills

Instructor: McCarthy, Cristina

School: T.W.Josey

Email: MccarCr@richmond.k12.ga.us

Phone: 203 4512774

Room: 218

Course Description:

This course, based on the Unique Learning System (ULS), provides individualized instruction for students with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. ULS promotes access to academic content in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies while emphasizing real-world application and functional life skills. The curriculum is aligned with grade-level standards and adapted to support communication, independence, and engagement at each student’s level of learning.

Instructional Philosophy:

I believe all students can learn and make progress when provided with high expectations, individualized support, and a caring learning environment. Our classroom fosters dignity, independence, and inclusion. Instruction is designed to be hands-on, differentiated, and engaging with frequent repetition, technology integration, and real-life connections. Collaborative communication with families and service providers ensures that every student receives consistent and meaningful instruction.

Major Course Goals:

• Develop functional literacy skills, including reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression
• Strengthen math skills focused on money, time, counting, and measurement
• Enhance social communication and emotional regulation
• Build life skills including hygiene, safety, cooking, and vocational readiness
• Encourage self-determination and independent decision-making

Major Projects & Instructional Activities:

• Life Skills Simulations (e.g., setting the table, folding laundry, using a schedule)
• Community-Based Activities (when available)
• Visual Schedule and Task Analysis Boards
• Functional Math Tasks (menu math, budgeting, calendar skills)
• Adaptive Writing Activities using assistive technology
• Role-playing for social interaction and job skills

Course Assessment Plan:

• ULS Benchmark Assessments and Monthly Checkpoints: 30%
• Daily Participation and Completion of Tasks: 25%
• IEP Goal Progress Monitoring: 25%
• Performance-Based Portfolios and Work Samples: 10%
• Behavioral/Social Skills Observation: 10%

Classroom Expectations:

• Follow class routines with support when needed
• Treat classmates and staff with kindness and respect
• Be safe, responsible, and ready to learn each day
• Participate to the best of your ability in all activities
• Students will not be chewing gum in class.
• Students are not allowed to bring their phones in school.

Supplies & Materials Needed:

• 1-inch binder with dividers
• Pencils, crayons, glue sticks, scissors
• Headphones (for computer work)
• Reusable water bottle
• Backpack labeled with student name
• Extra change of clothes (labeled)

Grading Policy:

Grades are based on individual progress and participation:

• A (Excellent Progress: 90–100%)
• B (Good Progress: 80–89%)
• C (Satisfactory Progress: 70–79%)
• D (Minimal Progress/Needs Support: 60–69%)

All grades reflect IEP goal progress, engagement in instruction, and completion of adapted tasks.

Extra Help & Support:

Extra support is always available during class, and one-on-one instruction is built into the schedule. For extended support or specific needs:

1. Conference Hours: Mondays & Thursdays, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2. Additional meetings available by appointment (contact via email or phone)
3. Parent workshops and family resources provided periodically

Parent Communication:

Families are essential partners in student success. I will provide:

•  IEP progress reports
• Email updates and phone calls as needed

Please reach out anytime with questions or concerns.