About SAC
Contact Us
General Program Description
The Special Abilities Cluster (SAC) is a comprehensive, integrated program meeting the needs of students with developmental disabilities housed on the Edison High School campus.
SAC is an umbrella program that serves two different groups of students based on their ages. The CORE program is for high school students aged approximately 14-18 and the LINC program is for adult transition students aged approximately 18-22 when they “age out” of public education.
SAC Students are placed on a caseload with a Case Manager who serves as a homeroom teacher and who works closely with families to coordinate Individual Education Plans, stay abreast of student needs, discuss student scheduling and classes, and serve as a primary point of contact for students and their families.
Case Managers who are also classroom Teachers are supported by a group of Paraprofessional Educators who provide a wide variety of: Educational, behavioral, and daily living supports for SAC students.
The SAC program addresses student needs through six domains:
- Academic Domain
- Recreation/Leisure Domain
- Independent Living Domain
- Social/Emotional Domain
- Vocational Domain
- Technology Domain
SAC CORE Program (High School)
The SAC Program CORE classes are designed to serve students from fourteen to eighteen years of age in grades 9-12. CORE classes offer a wide range of instructional components for developing academic and functional skills through on-campus and Community-Based Instruction (CBI). CORE students receive instruction in various modalities while implementing their IEP goals and objectives. Students earn a Certificate of Educational Achievement, typically received when they participate in the commencement ceremony at 18 years of age. SAC CORE students have the opportunity to participate in all activities at Edison, from athletic events to graduation exercises. Students integrate throughout the entire campus and often participate in regular education classes (via integration opportunities) on campus.
CORE Students typically follow the normal high school bell schedule, including start times and end times. CORE students also typically participate in high school activities like assemblies and extracurricular classes like cheer / pep as a few examples.
SAC LINC Program (Adult Transition Program)
The SAC LINC Program (Learning Inclusively and Networking in the Community) classes serve adult students after grade 12 who are approximately eighteen to twenty-two years of age. The main purpose of the LINC Adult Transition Program is to prepare students for various outcomes including: Adult programs via RCOC, courses at community colleges, or employment either volunteer or competitive. LINC classes are designed to take the skills and knowledge students have gained over their high school years and apply those skills to: Daily living, work, and community life applications. LINC case managers assist the students and parents in the transition process and focus on facilitating opportunities for a quality life after high school with a rich emphasis on community participation, vocational skills, and social skills. Students’ Individual Transition Plans provide the primary theme for IEP goals, class design, and learning activities.
Special Programming
The SAC program offers special programming and specialized instructional services based on student needs and qualifications. Special programs and instructional services offered at SAC typically span and are offered in both the CORE and LINC programs.
Some of the special program offerings that can be currently found at SAC are as follows:
SUCSESS - (Systematic Utilization of Comprehensive Strategies for Ensuring Student Success)
The SUCSESS classes were developed to provide an innovative and functional education for students with autism who require a highly structured and supportive environment to meet their unique needs.
LRI - (Low Ratio Instruction) The LRI classes were designed for students who require a highly customized instructional day in order to meet their unique learning style and needs. Students in the LRI program typically require a level of support, and customization during their day that cannot be addressed in the typical CORE or LINC special education classrooms.
LIFE - (Low Incidence Funded Education) The LIFE classes serve students with severe orthopedic, medical, cognitive, and those with a combination of, or multiple disabilities. LIFE classes provide students with support with physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding / special food preparations and delivery, respite from wheelchairs, medical support on campus, and support with specialized equipment like gait trainers and walkers.
Direct Instructional Services
The SAC program offers Direct Instructional Services available to students with special needs who qualify. Some of the specialized direct instructional services that can be found in the SAC program for students who qualify may include but are not limited to:
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted / Augmented Communication
American Sign Language
Specialized Academic Instruction
Specialized Health Care
Hygiene Services
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Services for the Visually Impaired & V.I. Mobility
Behavioral Intervention Services
Speech and Language
Job Training
Career Awareness / Counseling
Job Coaching & Vocational Training
Travel Training
