Special Education Programs
There are three major programs in the Special Education Department at Mills High School: Specialized Academic Instruction, Applied Academic Instruction, and the San Mateo County Orthopedically Impaired Program. Our philosophy is that the greatest learning occurs in the general education setting utilizing individualized accommodations, therefore great effort is made to ensure that all special education students are placed in the least restricted environment.
Students in the Specialized Academic Instruction Program are predominantly placed in the mainstream courses, but may take English or Math in a smaller classroom setting. All students in the Specialized Academic Instruction Program receive a period of Directed Studies, which is a support class to help them access the mainstream curriculum. This year, Mills High School has implemented co-taught classes that include one general education teacher and one special education teacher to allow for further support.
Students in the Applied Academic Instruction and County Orthopedically Impaired Program take all of their academic classes in a self-contained setting; however, they may be mainstreamed for electives. These students work towards a Certificate of Completion in lieu of a diploma.
Mills High School Special Education Department Contact Information:
Nicole Johansson
Department Chairperson
S.A.I. English 10, 11, 12
njohansson@smuhsd.org
Erik Anderson
U.S.History Co-Teacher
S.A.I. Algebra 1.5, 2
Madeline Crisafi
Health Co-Teacher
S.A.I. English 9
Kip Scialanga
Modern World History Co-Teacher
S.A.I. Algebra .5, 1
Yvette Gonzalez
A.A.I. Teacher
Michael Cadigan
A.A.I. Teacher
