Student Achievement Services
Overview
Cherokee Trail Student Achievement Services (SAS) will provide services in the "least restrictive environment" for the individual student's needs.
- A team composed of parents, students and professionals from SAS and regular education make the determination of the handicapping condition, the needs, and suitable interventions
- Each student's IEP will be used to direct the coursework and modifications and/or accommodations necessary to help the students be successful.
- Eligibility for SAS is determined after a number of research-based interventions have been tried and the responses to those interventions evaluated.
- Annual reviews are held.
Department Coordinator
Debi Barkey

Resources
Resources for Children with Special Needs
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Where Do I Start?
P2P: Parent to Parent of Colorado
1-877-476-7201 www.p2p-co.org
- One to one parent matching
- Listserv linking parents throughout the state
- Up-to-date information and referral, a quarterly newsletter
- A resource packed website including support group listing, parent wisdom
The Arcs in Colorado
1-800-333-7690 www.thearcofco.org
- If you are looking for an advocate, start with your local Arc
- The Arc of Colorado has a list of statewide Arcs on its website
Assistive Technology Partners
1-800-255-3477 www.uchsc.edu/atp
- The device exchange program, a database of potential AT funding resources
- Make and Take directions on various low-cost AT adaptations and devices
- Community-based demonstrations, an annual conference
CCA: Colorado Citizens for Accountability
303-226-5526 www.coloradocitizensforaccountability.org
- Patient safety information and referral
- Advocacy training for those who have family members in the hospital
- Support for families/individuals dealing with legal issues in the medical system
CCDC: Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
303-839-1775 www.ccdconline.org
- Information and assistance on disability rights issues for youth and adults
- Advances in legislation and public policy impacting the disability community
CDE –DSLU: Colorado Department of Education – Exceptional Student Leadership Unit
303-866-6694 www.cde.state.co.us/index_special.htm
- Website resources on special education law, school/district programs, etc.
- FAST FACTS on a variety of topics
- Information on educational specialists, parent-professional partnerships
DDD: Division for Developmental Disabilities and CCBs: Community Centered Boards
303-866-7450 www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd
- Provides various services to individuals with developmental disabilities
- Administers children and family programs, adult programs
- Information on CCBs (designated as the single entry point into long-term service and support for persons with developmental disabilities)
Easter Seals Colorado
303-233-1666 x237 www.eastersealscolorado.org
- Respite, including Discovery Club, weekend programs, and summer camp
- Warm water therapy and aquatic programs
- Employment services/support, transition training, transportation assessments
El Colroado: Early Intervention Colorado (Formerly ECC)
1-888-777-4041 www.eicolorado.org
- Connects families with early intervention services to help infants and toddlers under age three grow and develop, and to help their families in this process
El Grupo VIDA
303-904-6073 www.elfrupovida.org
- Information, referrals, and support groups for Spanish speaking parents
- Free annual fall conference in Denver
EMPOWER Colorado
1-866-213-4631 www.empowercolorado.com
- Support, education, and advocacy for families of children and youth with mental health issues
- Support groups throughout the state; statewide listserv connecting families
- Education classes for families and professionals
Family Voices
1-800-881-8272 www.familyvoicesco.org
- Advocacy for children with special health care needs
- Assists families in navigating health systems including Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and private insurance
- Training, information, referral, policy, parent-friendly website resources
Guardianship Alliance of Colorado
303-228-5382 www.guardianshipallianceofcolorado.org
- Information and referral on guardianship, including a volunteer guardianship matching program
- Information and training for those wishing to become a guardian for a family member who is 18 or older
HCP: Health care Program for Children with Special Needs
303-692-2370 www.hcpcolorado.org
- Information and referral to services and supports including Medical Home, screening, clinics, financial assistance
- Regional offices throughout Colorado
PEAK: Colorado’s Parent Training and Information Center
1-800-284-0251 www.peakparent.org
- Statewide parent advisors who provide information about the special education process and parent’s rights
- Training on a variety of topics including Understanding IEP’s
- Inclusion resources and annual conference for parents and school personnel
- Online calendar of events throughout the state
PEP: Parents Encouraging Parents
303-866-6846 www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/PEP.asp
- The free conference, lodging, and meals included, held twice per year at various statewide locations (apply early as waiting list occur frequently)
- Brings together parents and professionals for education on supporting your child in school and community
The Legal Center for People with Disabilities & Older People
1-800-288-1376 www.thelegalcenter.org
- Advice on the legal rights of people with disabilities
- Publishes Everyday Guide to Special Education Law
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Colorado Department of Human Services
1575 Sherman, 4th Floor
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-4150
www.cdhs.state.co.us/dvr
Local DVR locations can be found at www.cdhs.state.co.us/dvr/dvr_locations.htmColorado Transition Services -Exceptional Student Leadership Unit
Colorado Department of Education
201 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-6721
www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd
www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/transresources.asp
Transition Tool Kit: www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/TK.aspDivision for Developmental Disabilities
Colorado Department of Human Services
3824 W. Princeton Circle
Denver, CO 80236
303) 866-7467
www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd
Courses
CTE - Career and Technical Education | WBL - Work-Based Learning
- ACADEMIC SUPPORT LAB
- AFFECTIVE ED
- AFFECTIVE SUPPORT LAB
- ALGEBRA* 1x1
- ALBEBRA* 1X2
- APPLIED MATHEMATICS*
- FOUNDATIONS OF READING
- MATH LAB
ACADEMIC SUPPORT LAB
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is for students who can be successful in academic coursework in mainstream classes. The Academic Support Lab offers academic coaching and tutoring on organization and self-determination, adult guidance, and academic structure in support of mainstream coursework.
AFFECTIVE ED
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
Affective Education is designed for students with affective needs. The course will offer opportunities for skill development in the areas of coping skills, anger management skills, intra, and interpersonal skills, communication skills, assertiveness training, stress management, and opportunities for academic support. The course also offers a small pupil-to-teacher ratio, utilizing a behavior management program to possibly include positive behavior support, point sheets, and/ or a level system.
AFFECTIVE SUPPORT LAB
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is for students who can be successful in academic coursework in mainstream classes. The Affective Support Lab offers affective coaching, adult guidance, and academic structure in support of mainstream coursework. This course may be taken more than once for credit.
ALGEBRA* 1x1
Grade: 9
Year: 1.0 Math credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
*This course will count as 0.5 core for the NCAA clearinghouse if the student has an active IEP.
This course is part of a 2-year sequence with Algebra 1x2, to cover the Algebra 1 standards at a slower pace. The course is designed for students who have typically struggled in mathematics and are in significant need of remediation. Students will explore functions, graphing, and writing equations of linear equations, sequences, and systems of equations, as well as a constant spiraling of Math 8 topics for students to grow in their fluency and fundamental algebra skills. These topics include integers, basic operations, statistics, and the cartesian coordinate system.
ALBEBRA* 1X2
Grade: 10
Year: 1.0 Math credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1x1
*This course will count as 0.5 core for the NCAA clearinghouse if the student has an active IEP.
This course is a part of a 2-year sequence with Algebra 1x1, to cover the Algebra 1 standards at a slower pace. The course is designed for students who have typically struggled in mathematics and are in significant need of remediation. The two main topics covered are quadratic and exponential functions, including graphing, writing equations, applications, and solving. Connections will continually be made about the similarities and differences between the three types of functions covered in the Algebra 1 standards: linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Topics for Algebra 1x1 will continue to be spiraled and reviewed, including solving linear equations, systems of equations, and sequences.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS*
Grades: 12
Year: 1.0 Math credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
*This course will not count as a core year for the NCAA clearinghouse.
Students will be focused on mathematical and graphing literacy and the application of Algebra and Geometry standards to the real world increasing mathematical fluency. Significant time will be spent on understanding the math being used in the real world through an analysis of mathematical representations used in websites, in the news, and in printed media. Students will learn how to analyze information and use their mathematical understanding to describe the information that is provided, and the validity of the data represented.
FOUNDATIONS OF READING
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This course offers a strong emphasis on reading remediation including basic decoding skills, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and language usage. Students whose decoding skills are significantly below grade level should be considered for this class.
MATH LAB
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
Co-requisite: Algebra 1
The goal of Math Lab is to develop the Algebra skills of students who need more support. Aligned in tandem with their Algebra 1 class students will be able to work on skills needed to be successful in their Algebra 1 class, using different strategies and alternative perspectives. Algebra 1 teachers work closely with the Math Lab teachers to make meaningful and important connections to their work in Algebra 1. Math Lab is a support class and receives elective credits.
Integrated Learning Community (ILC) Courses
- ACE CAREER DEV APPLICATIONS CTE
- ACE CAREER DEV FOUNDATIONS CTE
- ACE FINANCIAL LITERACY CTE
- ILC COMMUNITY
- ILC ENGLISH
- ILC MATH
- ILC SCIENCE
- ILC SOCIAL STUDIES
- UNIFIED PE
- UNIFIED PERFORMING ARTS
- UNIFIED VISUAL ARTS
- WE I – ACE IN-SCHOOL WBL CTE
- WE II – ACE COMMUNITY WBL CTE
ACE CAREER DEV APPLICATIONS CTE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 elective credit
As developmentally appropriate, this course (or series of courses) is designed for students to create an individual, initial career plan that outlines steps to reach their career goal. Students will identify a career goal based upon the results of various assessments, i.e. interest survey, aptitude evaluation, academic skills, learning styles, work preferences, etc. Students will also investigate the training and educational requirements (academic planning & Postsecondary options) for their chosen career field. Students should be able to articulate short-term action necessary to achieve the goal(s) in their career plan; including intentional academic planning, high school choices based on self-awareness, career exploration and Postsecondary aspirations. Whenever possible, computer literacy skills, and leadership skills tied to a CTSO should be embedded into the curriculum.
ACE CAREER DEV FOUNDATIONS CTE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 elective credit
As developmentally appropriate, this course (or series of courses) is designed to teach skills needed for entry into the workforce. Students will demonstrate successful job search strategies. Students will demonstrate employability skill ability to accurately complete job applications, write a resume ask for letters of recommendation. Students will examine model interviews and then participate in their own interview simulations. Students will be able to advocate for accommodations or adaptations necessary to be successful on the job. Students will be knowledgeable of the environmental expectations of the workplace. Additionally, students will be introduced to personal financial literacy skills including: financial planning, budgeting, saving, credit, paycheck calculation, and taxes. Students practice appropriate communication, teamwork, problem-solving while working in a group environment. Whenever possible, computer literacy skills, and leadership skills tied to a CTSO should be embedded into the curriculum.
ACE FINANCIAL LITERACY CTE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 math credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This course focuses on personal financial literacy. As developmentally appropriate, this course (or series of courses) is designed for students to learn and practice financial literacy, decision-making, and management skills for their personal and professional lives. Students will create and modify budgets according to new circumstances. Students will be practicing basic banking activities such as check writing, debit card use, deposits and keeping track of a spending register and explore online banking and banking apps and compare and contrast several types of financial institutions. Students will examine the benefit and detriment of managing credit. Students will apply practical application of fiscal management topics such as renting vs owning, mortgage calculators, new car vs used car purchase, how to get a car loan, financial calculator use, understanding payroll deductions and benefits, income tax and filing taxes, and comparing and contrasting insurance possibilities. Students will demonstrate knowledge of FAFSA, loans, grants scholarships and other Postsecondary financial supports. They will examine the many ways to invest money and participate in simulations involving investing. Whenever possible, computer literacy skills and leadership skills tied to a CTSO should be embedded into the curriculum.
ILC COMMUNITY
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This is a self-contained class taught by an ILC teacher. It is designed to teach job skills through direct practical vocational experiences. Students will be required to work at a job site either within or outside of the high school. Students will learn correct job duties and work habits while practicing skills specific to their job site.
ILC ENGLISH
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 English credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is a self-contained class taught by an ILC teacher. Based on current IEP goals, teaching focus will be placed on functional skills such as reading for jobs or community survival. Other aspects of this class include reading and understanding classic literature, the writing process, and increasing grammar usage and skills.
ILC MATH
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Math credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This is a self-contained class taught by an ILC teacher. This course is designed to develop functional math skills. Major emphasis is placed on all functional skill areas, such as money/budgeting, time, measurement/cooking, and word problem-solving. Students will also develop basic math skills. The material taught is dependent on the student’s math goals as written on their IEP.
ILC SCIENCE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Science credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This is a self-contained class taught by an ILC teacher. Science concepts to be covered will include Health, Life, Physical, and Earth Science. This class will include science labs to reinforce instruction. Materials are appropriate to the skill level of the students in class and based on individual goals identified in the IEP.
ILC SOCIAL STUDIES
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
This is a self-contained class taught by an ILC teacher. It introduces and reviews functional community/social skills. Students will explore functional words/signs, geography, maps (including bus schedules and routes), laws, job skills, and different cultures.
UNIFIED PE
Grades: 9,10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Wellness/Fitness credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
A Unified PE class specifically designed for students who benefit from a modified curriculum, with an emphasis on those with special needs. The opportunity for a limited number of student assistants is available through teacher recommendation only. Student assists will receive Wellness/Fitness credit with enrollment in this class.
UNIFIED PERFORMING ARTS
Grades: 9,10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
A Unified Performing Arts class specifically designed for students who benefit from a modified curriculum, with an emphasis on those with special needs. The opportunity for a limited number of student assistants is available through teacher recommendation only. Student assistants will receive Fine Art elective credit with enrollment in this class.
UNIFIED VISUAL ARTS
Grades: 9,10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
A Unified Art class specifically designed for students who benefit from a modified curriculum, with an emphasis on those with special needs. The opportunity for a limited number of student assistants is available through teacher recommendation only. Student assistants will receive Visual Art elective credit with enrollment in this class.
WE I – ACE IN-SCHOOL WBL CTE
Grades: 11, 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: IEP and coordinator approval
This course may be repeated for credit.
As developmentally appropriate, this course (or series of courses) is designed for students to develop basic employment skills by participating in an in-school work/school based enterprise experience. A training plan and evaluation (to be filled out by the supervisor/employer) will be developed listing job specific technical skills the student will learn during the experience. Hours worked will be documented. Students will demonstrate levels of self-awareness, career exploration, Postsecondary option knowledge and employability skills. ACE teachers serves as a coach and mentor checking in with supervisor/employer regularly.
WE II – ACE COMMUNITY WBL CTE
Grade: 12
Year: 1.0 elective credit
Prerequisite: WE I or PWR I
This course may be repeated for credit.
As developmentally appropriate, this course (or series of courses) is designed for students to develop basic employment skills by participating in an in-school work/school based enterprise experience. A training plan and evaluation (to be filled out by the supervisor/employer) will be developed listing job specific technical skills the student will learn during the experience. Hours worked will be documented. Students will demonstrate levels of self-awareness, career exploration, Postsecondary option knowledge and employability skills. ACE teachers serves as a coach and mentor checking in with supervisor/employer regularly.
