Cornerstone Inclusion Program
Program Details:
The Cornerstone Inclusion Program (CIP) provides academic support, curriculum modifications, peer mentorship, and social support for qualifying students with mild disabilities. Students participate in the school community while receiving individualized support based on their learning needs.
Student Support
Modified curriculum and assignments
Small-group and one-on-one instruction
Extended or oral testing
Shortened assignments and alternative assessment formats
Organizational, study, and self-advocacy skills support
Academic progress and grade monitoring
Peer support in core classes when available
Academic Program
Students receive mathematics and reading instruction in the Cornerstone classroom, focusing on practical life skills such as money, time, measurement, and applied math. As well as reading which provides individualized reading instruction focused on reading strategies, fluency, and comprehension.
Student Expectations
CIP students are expected to:
Meet MSM attendance and behavior expectations
Participate appropriately in academic and social activities
Develop independence and self-advocacy skills
Work consistently toward academic growth
Eligibility & Admission
Students must provide current psychoeducational testing (within the past three years) documenting intellectual ability, academic achievement, and a learning difference.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:
Meet school behavior expectations
Manage self-care independently
Communicate verbally and in writing
Interact appropriately with peers
Participate in school activities without an educational assistant
Students should have approximately a 1st–4th grade level in English and mathematics.
Students must enter MSM as freshmen, be at least 14-17 years old when entering. Admission to MSM does not guarantee admission to CIP, as a maximum of two new Cornerstone Inclusion Program students are accepted each year.
Graduation
Because CIP students follow a modified curriculum, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion rather than a high school diploma.
Program Fee
Students accepted into CIP are responsible for an additional $1,000 annual program fee.
Peer to Peer: Cornerstone Scholars
Cornerstone Scholars courses provide students without disabilities the opportunity to work alongside students with disabilities and learn about inclusion, accommodations, and differentiated learning. Any current MSM student may chose to be a Cornerstone Scholar and take an elective course, below:
Cornerstone Scholars — Grades 10–12 | 0.5 credit
Cornerstone Scholars II — Grades 10–12 | 0.5 credit
Cornerstone Scholars III — Grade 12 | 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Counselor approval
Through these courses, students develop leadership, communication, and inclusion skills while gaining experience related to Special Education and Human Services.
Cornerstone Inclusion Program Application
The application process for the Cornerstone Inclusion Program will take place in two parts. All application materials for the General Application are due to Mrs. Elle Muzny, Director of Admissions. Application for admission requires a nonrefundable $100 application fee at time of submission.
Part 1:
1. General Cornerstone Program Application for Admission
2. Current Psychoeducational Testing (completed within the last 3 years)
3. Individualized Education Program (IEP) from current school
Part 2:
After a thorough review from the Admissions Committee, Part 2 could include but not be limited to:
1. Interview with the prospective student and family
2. Cornerstone Inclusion Team attending student’s IEP Transition Meeting at current school
3. Observation of the prospective student in their current educational placement
4. Two full day Shadow Visits are required for prospective student at Mount St. Mary High School
Final acceptance to Mount St. Mary Cornerstone Inclusion Program will be contingent upon all above requirements.
Contact Information
Stacy Hawley, Director of Inclusive Education