Specializing in Support: PAUSD Futures

Dan Gallucio, a special education teacher who specializes in extensive support needs, said the Futures Program focuses on helping students in the program with functional academics like basic reading and math as well as job and daily living skills.

Futures serves students with moderate to severe needs from sixth to 12th grade at all secondary sites in the district, and its curriculum equips students with practical skills while also integrating them into the community.

“Everything we’re doing in the classroom is going to be as functional and appropriate for their learning needs … we’re teaching them how to take care of themselves, to achieve as much independence as possible,” Gallucio said.

ESN teacher Lisa Jauregui said the program is tailored to each student’s Individualized Education Program, and through the Palo Alto Technology Collaboration Hub, students have access to iPads equipped with specialized accessibility tools, from text-to-speech to digital worksheets.

“It helps (balance) the field,” Jauregui said. “Everybody’s equal.”

Gallucio said the program also provides opportunities for students to attain real-world experience, such as running a cafe for staff on Fridays.

“We clean up the student center every day after lunch and brunch,” Gallucio said. “We deliver mail across campus. We have our cafe that we run on Fridays for the staff. We also have a job on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we’re picking up lunch and other delivery orders from Town and Country for staff across campus.