Mercer County Special Services School District

Curriculum Statement

Career Awareness and Consumer, Family and Life Skills

The New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards 9.1 and 9.2 state that all students must develop career awareness and planning, employability skills and foundational knowledge necessary for success in the workplace and demonstrate critical life skills in order to be functional members of society.  In order to address these objectives in the most functional application for the student population served by Mercer County Special Services School District, these skills are integrated throughout all curricula areas.  Staff embed the corresponding strands throughout their lessons to include Career and Technical Education skills related to career awareness, planning, and employability skills.  Consumer, Family and Life Skills are addressed in order to develop critical thinking, self-management, interpersonal communication, character development, consumer finance, and safety.  

Cultural Diversity

The staff of Mercer County Special Services School District demonstrates sensitivity and equity across all curricula areas.  Students are afforded the opportunity to interact positively with each other regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.  Lessons include all persons, groups, and cultures in a fair and objective manner.  Texts and instructional materials are void of bias and stereotyping.  Language reflects objectivity and is free of offensive terminology.  Pictures and illustrations include diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender, and culture.  Information is presented from multiple perspectives whenever possible.  Objectives and strategies target the unique learning styles of the student population served.  Instruction provides opportunities for cooperation rather than competition.  Student achievement is celebrated through positive communication with parents and families. 

Technological Literacy

The New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards 8.1 and 8.2 mandate that students use computer applications to gather and organize information.  The students of Mercer County Special Services School District are provided with technological literacy instruction across all curricula areas in order support technological competency skills.  Students are taught basic tools and skills related to keyboarding, word processing, internet usage, spreadsheets, database concepts, and publications.  Social aspects and ethical behaviors when using technology are addressed.