Special Education

Plano West Special Education department is dedicated to empowering each of our students to reach their potential and develop independence while discovering their unique path in life.

Parents have the ability to review instructional plans for their child’s classes. Visit https://www.pisd.edu/students-families-a6/instructionalplans to view the instructional plans and learn more about your child’s learning experience.

Meet the Faculty

Staff Member	Courses	Title
Dean Albertson	Math Models, Algebra 2	SpEd Math Teacher
Lauren Bearden	Environmental Systems	SpEd Science/Inclusion Teacher
Stacy Blackstone	Alternate Curriculum	SpEd Strive Teacher
Christie Blalock		SpEd Transition Specialist
Jennifer Brockman	English 4	SpEd English Teacher
Daniel Cox	US History, Economics, Government	SpEd Social Studies/Inclusion Teacher/US History Team Leader
Helen Flowers		SpEd Achieve Teacher
Jennifer Hoffman		Speech Language Pathologist
Kathy Horn		SpEd Department Chair
Kaleesa Johnson	Making Connections, Study Skills	SpEd Focus/Making Connections/Study Skills Teacher
Christina Mackey		Diagnostician
Jake McIntire	Alternate Curriculum	SpEd Elevate Teacher
Molly Payton		SpEd ALC/ELC/ATS Teacher
Heather Rambo		SpEd Team Leader/Science Inclusion Teacher: Anatomy/P, Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics
Essence Robinson-Carter	Academic Literacy/Study Skills	SpEd Academic Literacy/US History Inclusion/Study Skills Teacher
Yesenia Rodriguez	English 3	SpEd English Teacher
Darold Rushing		SpEd Social Studies Inclusion Teacher: Gov./Econ./Study Skills/Focus Teacher & Coach
Jennifer Smith	Alternate Curriculum	SpEd Elevate Teacher
Sebastian Stargell		SpEd Math Inclusion Teacher: Math Models/Algebra 2 & Coach
(Interim: Heather Rambo)		Alternative Testing Center

Special Education Courses

English

English III Applied

English III Basic

English IV Applied

English IV Basic

Social Studies

US History Applied

US Government Applied

Economics Applied

Math

Math Models with Applications, Algebra II, and Geometry - Applied
Math Models with Applications and Financial Math Basic

Math Models with Applications, Algebra II, and Geometry - Applied

Math Models with Applications and Financial Math Basic

Reading

Academic Literacy Applied

Science

Environmental Systems Applied

Environmental Systems Applied

Additional Special Education Courses

Making Connections
Vocational Courses

Making Connections

Through direct instruction, role-play activities, and interactive group work, students develop positive, age-appropriate intrapersonal and interpersonal skills and learn how to generalize those skills across settings. Topics addressed include following directions, understanding feelings and unwritten rules, respect, accepting differences, compassion, honesty, responsibility, perseverance, cooperation, friendship, dealing with bullies, and conflict resolution.

Vocational Courses

Vocational Courses - Work Experience Class (WEC)

Elective courses designed to give students an opportunity to earn academic credit while completing a successful experience at an approved paid work-site with regularly scheduled direct involvement by VAC Coordinator. The primary goal of this individualized instructional setting is to provide an opportunity for career exploration, vocational experience and career enhancement. The Vocational Adjustment Coordinator has scheduled jobsite visits and scheduled office visits to discuss work evaluation, employment time sheets and career exploration opportunities. Students enrolled in this course provide their own transportation. This course is available through ARD committee decision to meet employability goals or enhance job skills.

Special Education