Tredder High presenters propose Unified Arts and Unified Music half‑credit courses to expand inclusion

High school special‑education and arts staff presented proposals to add two co‑taught half‑credit courses — Unified Arts and Unified Music — aimed at reinforcing inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their general‑education partners.

Dina McCann, identified as a specialized supervisor, described the Unified Arts course as four units (Who Am I; Who Are You; Who Are We; We Are Unified) that would include adaptive technology, ceramics and mixed media, collaborative murals and community showcases. "What we are proposing is to, kinda diversify the options that our students have available to them," McCann said, explaining the course would be co‑taught by a high‑school art teacher and a special‑education teacher and would prepare students for public showcases.

Teachers also proposed a Unified Music half‑credit course with four units covering musical exploration, instrument and vocal work (ukulele, keyboard, percussion), basic music theory and a performance showcase. Presenters requested adapted art supplies and general classroom materials for art and, for music composition work, approximately 10 iPads if district inventory cannot supply devices. Technology director input was requested during the meeting to determine availability.

Presenters and committee members emphasized the program’s inclusive benefits. Staff shared multiple student reflections praising Unified PE (a related program) as a valuable, welcoming class that improves social skills and student perspective of peers with disabilities. The proposed classes would seek a 1:1 partner ratio (one partner to one student with disabilities) and follow co‑teaching models already used in the high school’s unified programs.

Ending: The committee expressed broad support and asked administrators to confirm device availability and finalize supply estimates for budget review. No formal vote was recorded in the transcript.