Special Programs at Vista Ridge High School is off to a great start!. Our guide words this year are: encourage, enlighten and empower! We want to encourage, enlighten and empower our students to be successful now and in the future.

Our teachers have received the initial training on a Kansas University Research Project which promotes self-determination in transition to adulthood. What does Self-Determinated behavior look like? The student makes choices and decisions as needed and exhibits some personal or internal control over actions. The student feels capable and acts that way. In addition, the student understands the effects of his/her own actions. The project will study the effects of interventions designed to promote self-determination of youth with disabilities, in transition services, and two years post high school.

Three of our special programs teachers are co-teaching with general education teachers in an inclusive classroom setting. We are very excited about this method of instructional delivery and all of the students benefit from having two teachers in the classroom.

Another change at VRHS is The Learning Center, formerly known as CMC. The Learning Center is open to all students who need assistance with homework, projects or tests. Study Lab class meets in TLC and the lab is staffed each period by a general education teacher and a special education teacher. The general educators are of varied subject expertise which gives students opportunities for tutoring in specific academic areas.