Special Education

Special Education Program

Worcester Tech offers varying levels of support for students with Special Needs. The descriptions of the WTHS Special Education Programs include:

Inclusion & Areas of Study

Inclusion Program

Students are placed in general education classes participating in grade level curriculum with accommodations and the support of a Paraprofessional or a Special Educator alongside the General Education teacher.

Resource Room

Students participate in grade level curriculum with accommodations and some modifications; these are held in smaller classes led by a Special Educator. Students in both of these programs will receive a high school diploma and shop certificate if they meet the academic and shop requirements of the district and the state.

Learning Information

There is a full time Learning Disabilities teacher and a part time Speech & Language Pathologist who work with students according to the services documented in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Other specialists are available to students according to the services documented on their IEP but do not use Worcester Tech as their home base.

VOC-P Program Overview

Students in the Vocational Opportunities and Career Program (Voc-P) will have access to targeted vocational areas that provide optimal opportunities to acquire skills in areas of study that will assist them with securing some type of employment. Students in the 9/10 VOC-P Program focus on functional academic skills, specifically geared towards MA Curriculum Frameworks and completion of MCAS Alt Portfolios. Special educators and/or special education assistants help the students to achieve these goals. Students that participate in the VOC-P Program do not receive a high school diploma or trade certificate. Students will receive a certificate of attainment after completing 4 years.

Students strengthen their money management, reading and writing comprehension skills as well as soft skills needed for success while on the job. Students will explore vocational areas that correspond to their skill development, interests, strengths and learning needs. Students in the 11/12 VOC-P Program continue to develop and refine skills related to money management and budgeting, independent living, employability and vocational areas. Students work on creating a resume while they learn the process of looking for and applying for job and volunteer opportunities. Students will have unique experiences and participate within the community contributing collaboratively while gaining invaluable experiences. Eligible students who are interested in applying for VOC-P should contact their Evaluation Team Chairperson at their district high schools. There is a separate application process for this program.

Skills & Areas of Study

Eligible Students

The Vocational Opportunities and Career Pathways Program (VOC P) at Worcester Technical High School is designed for student with special needs who:

Have been found eligible for special education services due to an intellectual disability and / or Autism Spectrum as their primary disability.
Are determined by a Team to be in need of a substantially separate program and whose IEP can be implemented in the VOC P Program.
Participate in the MCAS Alternate Assessment.
Can benefit from a program that is directly related to the preparation of students for career opportunities.
Can safely and with decreasing supports, access an appropriate supported career based program that is offered at the Worcester Technical High School.
Have needs an career goals that can be met through the Vocational Opportunities and Careers Pathways Program.
Students will follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Worcester Public Schools Student Handbook as well as the supplemental handbook provided by Worcester Technical High School.

Application Directions

Complete all of the information in the documents below by printing or typing in the spaces provided. Have the application signed by the student, parent, and the Special Education director or designee. Return the completed application to your school’s Evaluation Team Chairperson.