Exceptional Education Courses

The exceptional education program offers three types of services: Life Skills, Inclusion and Intellectually Gifted. Students who are a part of the exceptional education program will have the opportunity to earn one of five types of diplomas:

  • HCDE Diploma - 27 credits
  • State Diploma - 22 credits
  • Alternate Academic Diploma
  • Occupational Diploma
  • Special Education Diploma

Course: Introduction to Self-Advocacy
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit

This is an introductory course for developing self-advocacy skills for students with disabilities. This course provides students with opportunities to learn and practice skills necessary to begin the self-advocacy process. Students will apply skills learned when participating in realistic transition planning, the IEP process, and day to day collaboration with school personnel, community resources, and in setting short and long term goals.

Course: Planning for Transition
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit

The purpose of this course is to provide students with experiences that foster a better understanding and appreciation of the skills necessary to transition to adulthood while utilizing appropriate social skills needed to participate fully in a global society. Hands-on practice activities and projects will be used to expand on concepts and major themes. Some of the major themes include but are not limited to: Transition, disability awareness, communication skills, self awareness/advocacy, planning for higher level education/training, and jobs/career choices. Part of the class will be devoted to the continuation of social skills training. 

Course: Focus on Adulthood
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit

This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to investigate needed community and adult supports to facilitate the transition from secondary to post secondary environments through research, assessments, and planning.

Course: Work-Based Learning
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit

This community-based Vocational Education/Work-Based Learning experience gives students hands-on experience in the work place in addition to classroom awareness of careers, work behavior and employer expectations. Topics covered in preparation of the transition from school to work include: career exploration, resume writing and job interviews.  

Course: Developmental Communication Class
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit
The Developmental Communication Class (DCC) provides non or low verbal students with Autism small group instruction to obtain a Tennessee Special Education Diploma. The curriculum is based from Best Practices in Autism and includes state standards from the TCAP Alt certification, positive behavioral supports, and work based learning.

Course: Comprehensive Development Class
Prerequisite: IEP required
1 Credit

This class is designed for students who  have been identified as needing a small, structured environment where core academic areas are addressed at the student’s instructional level.  This class provides instruction and practice in communication /social skills, self-help skills, self-advocacy skills, transition skills, and daily living skills. In addition to classroom instruction, related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision/ hearing services are provided as warranted. The CDC class focuses on language rich instruction and provides opportunities to explore work-based learning opportunities while providing the support needed to thrive in the least restrictive environment. Hamilton County Department of Education offers services for eligible students in keeping with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, procedures, and policies.

All content © 2024 Hamilton County Schools. All rights reserved. | Privacy Notice | Website by School Messenger