English Language Learners (ELL)
Students may need all their core classes modified, or only have Language Arts or Reading with the ELL department. The staff works with each student to help them succeed in this new culture and language.

Whitman currently has three teachers and two Instructional Assistants in the ELL department. Student levels vary from very little English to mostly mainstreamed students.

Special Education - Mainstreamed
Students are supported at the level they need. IEP teachers are always available to staff and students for help in working with the individual needs of these identified students.

Students in this program could have one class of study skills with Special Ed teachers. Or could spend most of their day with the Special Ed. staff. Scheduling is flexible and based on student need. Students might need a little monitoring or special help with Language, Math, or Health issues. Some students may need vision support, hearing support, Reading, Math, or Writing support, for instance.

Special Education - Self-Contained
Whitman has four self-contained Special Education classes at this time. These classes have students that have been tested and identified to have more intense special needs. The classes for these students have Instructional Assistants that can help in the classroom and can go with some of the students to elective and other classes.

Advanced Learning Programs
Currently the Spectrum 6th grade groups include math. However, at the secondary level (middle and high school) Math is not part of the Spectrum program. Advanced Learners in mathematics will be placed in honors math classes.

Whitman currently uses the self-contained model of Spectrum classes. District identified students are placed in courses designed to challenge students that have mastered the basics at their grade level. They are encouraged to "go deeper, broader, faster and further in their learning".

Whitman is working to develop an accredited Advanced Learner Program. This is one of the Transformation goals that the staff has set for the school.

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