Language and Learning Specialized Programs

  • In Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) we provide a full continuum of special education services and placements for students who are eligible for special education with an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

    A Specialized Program, also known as a Self-Contained Class, is one component of the continuum. At CVUSD, we offer Mild to Moderate Specialized Programs for students who present with academic learning difficulties and require more support throughout the school day than can be provided in the learning center or general education classroom.

    Placement into one of our Language and Learning Specialized Programs is discussed during an IEP meeting and is an IEP team decision. Our Be Me preschool programs support preschool students ages 3-5 years old, Aspen Elementary and Acacia Elementary support students in grades Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 5th grade. CVUSD does not provide Language and Learning Specialized Programs at the middle or high school levels. Rather, specialized academic instruction is available via various models such as a specialized program, small group pull-out instruction into a special education setting for a specific section/content area (e.g. language arts and math) and/or through co-teaching classes in the general education setting. Students who previously attended Aspen or Acacia Specialized Program may attend any middle school in CVUSD or attend a specialized program at Colina or Sequoia based on the IEP team decisions prior to matricuating to middle school.

    To sufficiently support our students in our Language and Learning Specialized Programs, we maintain a low teacher to student ratio and staff each class with one paraeducator, who, under the direct supervision of the teacher, assists students. Additionally, our related service providers (e.g. School psychologists, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Adapted Physical Education Specialists) work closely with the special education teachers and paraeducators to support the academic learning of all students.

    The Language and Learning Specialized Programs use curriculum aligned with common core standards and provide accommodations and/or modifications based upon the needs of each student as indicated in the IEP. The Language and Learning Specialized Program provides specialized academic instruction using multi-modalities in a structured, language-based program, which includes high level of scaffolding, repetition, accommodation, and modification throughout the instructional day. The classroom teacher and paraeducators are always working to maximize the student’s access and opportunities in a general education setting.

  • The overall goals of our Language and Learning Specialized Programs are to:

    1. Provide supportive and positive learning environments for students; and
    2. Provide specialized academic instruction to meet students’ unique and individual needs

    This document serves as a summary. For more information about our Language and Learning Specialized Programs, please contact:
    Shanda Lee, Director, Special Education, Preschool and Elementary at 805-497-9511