Directed Studies Syllabus Slides
Scotts Valley USD
Est. 2025-2026
Welcome to
Directed Studies!
Your supportive space for building independence, crushing academic goals, and unlocking your full potential.
Ms. Casey
Education Specialist & IEP Case Manager
Let's Get Started →
About Your Teacher
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Hello There!
I am
Ms. Casey
"I believe every student deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them and insists they become the best they can possibly be."
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Home Roots
Grew up right here in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Professional Experience
Teaching and championing awesome students for 7 years.
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Prior Career: Wildlife Biologist
Studied amazing ecosystems locally in Santa Cruz and abroad in Africa!
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Fun Fact
I was a vegetarian for 20 years (though not currently!).
My Dual Role
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📖
Directed Studies Teacher
- • An Education Specialist dedicated to supporting and advocating for your student.
- • Collaborates with general education teachers and adults to craft effective classroom strategies.
Focus: Building day-to-day academic confidence!
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IEP Case Manager
- • Your primary guide to help families and students understand the IEP document and processes.
- • Defines and monitors the crucial accommodations, goals, and academic services agreed upon by the team.
Focus: Legal protection & long-term growth paths.
Working together to build student independence and strong advocacy skills.
Our Core Goal
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"
My goal as a Directed Studies teacher and IEP case manager is to ensure my students are free to learn and demonstrate their knowledge in the most equitable way possible.
"
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True Equity in Action: We don't ask every unique learner to climb the exact same tree. Instead, we customize the tools, pathways, and support to fit who they are.
What is Directed Studies?
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Directed Studies is a purpose-built class for students with IEPs to work directly on their key developmental areas:
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Individual IEP Goals
Targeted instruction focused directly on your student's unique IEP benchmarks.
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Academic Support
Personalized guidance on core curriculum and classroom assignments.
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Self-Advocacy
Building the confidence to use accommodations independently in all classes.
Class Expectations & Grading
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Grading Policy
Yes, this class is graded!
Students earn letter grades based on class engagement, task tracking, and specialized milestones.
10 pts
Assignments
25 pts
Projects / Assessments
1
IEP Goal Practice
Spend approximately one hour per week actively working on targeted individual IEP goal tasks.
2
Advocate and Learn
Learn how to communicate your accommodation needs to general education teachers and school staff.
3
Collaborative Partnerships
Receive direct support on core academic curricula while partnering productively with peers.
Home Support System
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Parents & guardians, you are vital partners! Check in with your student regularly about daily progress using these core tools:
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Google Classroom
Our central hub. Make sure to join Ms. Casey's custom Google Classroom stream!
Check daily for updates
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Monday Manager
Provides students with structured lists of tasks and class assignments broken down by the day.
Weekly roadmap tool
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Synergy Portal
The primary grading interface. Log in regularly to view missing work and overall grades.
Official grading portal
Let's Stay Connected
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Have Questions?
We have answers!
Open communication is the cornerstone of student success. Please reach out anytime with ideas, concerns, updates, or accomplishments!
Direct Contact Info
Teacher Email
jcasey@scottsvalleyusd.org
Response Window
Ms. Casey typically replies to emails within 24–48 hours on academic school days.
Thank you for partnering in your student's learning adventure!
Let's Make It A Great Year! 🎉
Directed Studies Course Syllabus
2026 - 2027 Course Syllabus
DIRECTED STUDIES
Scotts Valley Unified School District
Ms. Casey
Education Specialist
jcasey@scottsvalleyusd.org
Course Overview
Welcome to Directed Studies! This program is designed as a collaborative and empowering environment where students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) develop the essential tools, academic strategies, and self-advocacy habits needed for long-term school success.
Here, students receive direct coaching on their general education curriculum, regular opportunities to monitor and manage their school assignments, and targeted instruction to meet their individualized learning goals.
Our Core Philosophy
"My goal as a Directed Studies teacher and IEP case manager is to ensure my students are free to learn and demonstrate their knowledge in the most equitable way possible."
We firmly believe equity means giving every individual exactly what they need to succeed—not forcing every student to climb the same tree.
Understanding My Dual Roles
📖
Directed Studies Teacher
- • Supports and advocates for your student directly in classes.
- • Collaborates with other adult staff to build strategies tailored to individual needs.
Focus: Building Academic Independence
📋
IEP Case Manager
- • Guides families and students through IEP documents, legalities, and processes.
- • Monitors accommodations, goals, and core services agreed upon by the team.
Focus: Growth and Document Integrity
Ms. Casey • Directed Studies Syllabus Page 1 of 2
Class Structure & Grading
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Directed Studies is a credit-bearing class. Your student is actively graded on commitment to growth, goals, and strategies!
10 pts Assignments
25 pts Assessments
What We Do in Class
- • IEP Goals: Spend ~1 hour weekly on targets.
- • Advocacy: Practice request skills.
- • General Support: Receive task help.
Our Shared Goals
- • Build total independence with accommodations.
- • Acquire strategies tailored directly to student needs.
- • Collaborate with peers on school curricula.
Crucial Home Support Systems