Ray-Pec High School is offering two new elective courses for next school year, emphasizing peer modeling for students in the Functional Skills special education classroom. Classes will feature general education students working with special education students.
Both courses require a brief application process to ensure regular education students are appropriately matched with students in the special education functional skills classroom.
Course #1: Elective: Peer Modeling Integration (PMI) (Juniors and Seniors only): This course is designed to be a peer mentoring and modeling class for students in general education who will be matched with students enrolled in the Functional Skills classroom. Regular education peer models will serve as buddy mentors and tutors for students to connect classroom content within the Functional Skills classroom and facilitate appropriate access to general education settings and social experiences within the school setting. This class will promote positive relationships and equity amongst all students, leadership skills, empathy, and advocacy skills in peer models. Students who are interested in helping others and a possible career in education are encouraged to enroll. Students who apply and are accepted into PMI will be enrolled in PMI for an hour of the day that fits with the rest of their schedule. During that hour, they will be paired with a student who is considered to be in the Functional Skills program. This course will be offered for Semester 1 and 2.
Course #2: Elective: Creative Theatre Workshop (Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors): This course is designed to provide regular education students the opportunity to serve as a mentor to students with disabilities. General education students work collaboratively to create inclusive and transformative experiences for special education students in the Functional Skills classroom. This course addresses the unique theater and performance needs of students with a variety of disabilities in a setting that allows for positive interaction with peers to achieve success, improve social skills, and build self-esteem. In this class, mentors will gain and develop valuable post-secondary soft skills such as leadership and problem-solving skills, communication, empathy, advocacy, and teamwork. Student fee of $25. Gen Education/ Teacher Academy Students who are interested in a career in Theatre Education or Special Education are encouraged to enroll. This course is important for all students to normalize interactions with people who have cognitive disabilities and special needs.