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School board approves two new special-education courses to strengthen pre-vocational and life skills
Summary
Caroline County School Board on Sept. 8 voted to add a middle-school career-skills course and a high-school social development and career instruction course aimed at students receiving functional academic instruction.
The Caroline County School Board on Sept. 8 approved two new courses for the 2025-26 program of studies designed for students receiving functional academic instruction.
Rachel Wheeler, a division presenter, described the first course, Career Skills (grades 6-8), as a class to build pre-vocational habits such as communication, teamwork, organization and problem solving through hands-on learning. The second course, Social Development and Career Instruction (grades 9-12), combines social-development work with workplace simulations, community-based experiences and instruction in self-advocacy and daily living skills.
Wheeler said the courses "are designed to build pre-vocational skills and prepare students for greater independence in high school and beyond," and emphasized that both were tied to the district's Achieve 2027 strategic plan.
Board action: A motion to approve the courses was moved and seconded; the roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous. The clerk called the roll and each board member voted "Aye." The motion carried and the courses will be added to the division's program of studies.
Why it matters: Presenters said the new courses are intended to strengthen students' readiness for employment, postsecondary opportunities and independent living by adding structured, hands-on practice and community-linked experiences.
Ending: The board approved the courses as a waiver of first read, and staff said the courses have been reviewed with appropriate personnel for implementation.
