Cutting-Edge Program – Core Courses

The Cutting-Edge program has a core content of pre-college level courses specifically designed to meet the educational needs of the students. The courses are team-taught by graduate students who are seeking their teaching certification in special education.

ED 90- Cutting Edge Resource Seminar- 3 credits, required both semesters
This course is designed to support each Cutting Edge student throughout their time in college. Its curriculum is individualized to help each student one on one or in small groups, as needed, to ensure maximization learning. The support given ranges from academic to social emotional to occupational and often includes all of the above. The parameters of this course will be individually designed each semester to meet the individual needs of each student with the goal of greatly increasing the students’ ability to live and work as independently as possible.

ED 91- Safety in the Community 1 credit, required fall semester
This course is designed to help students learn with is feels like to be safe, unsafe ad uncertain and to recognize situations that provoke these feelings. Students will learn to build an instinctual response to feelings of being unsafe and the importance of trusting those instincts. In large and small groups the class will explore each individual’s role in the world and how they can expand their influence while retaining their personal safety.

ED 92 - Friends, Dating and Your Place in a Diverse Community – 1 credit, required spring semester
This course is designed to help students learn about being a part of a diverse, college community and will include how to live and learn with their peers. In large and small groups the class will explore relationships between friends, roommates, tutors, professors, girlfriends, coworkers, classmates and bosses. Students will discuss the importance of getting along with friends, and the differences in their relationships classmates, tutors, roommates, coworkers professors and bosses. Students will improve their skills in finding and keeping lifelong friends. The class will cover techniques in conflict resolution and individuals will practice appropriate forms of dealing with and expressing stress, frustration and anger in inter and intrapersonal relationships.

ED 93 Cutting-Edge Internship 3 credits
This experience provides for on-or-off campus internships designed to teach vocational skills, and social skills while expanding each student’s ability to work well with others. Students will further develop their ability to respond appropriately to requests from others, especially on the job, including their ability to be assertive without being confrontational.

ED 94- Human Issues in the Community 3 credit
In this course students will look at something in their world that is related to social justice and find a way to be a part of the solution. The course requires volunteerism and community action. Students need to look at social issues from multiple perspectives and find ways they can effectively contribute toward positive change.

ED 95 Independent Living Seminar 2 credits, required for students living on campus
This course is designed to provide support to the Cutting-Edge students who reside in on campus student housing. Students who want to live in a residence hall receive support from a Cutting-Edge Resident Support Person who is responsible for oversight of the safety and integration of Cutting-Edge students. Students learn practical daily living skills, such as money management, personal care, and effective interpersonal communication skills.

ED 96 Cutting-Edge Career Exploration 2 credits
This course offers a variety of short-term hands-on experiences in the business community, as well as job shadowing and company tours. Students learn how to access the campus Career Services Center, and prepare a resume and portfolio.

ED 97 Summer Outreach Project 2 credit and residence hall fee for overnight experience
This course is an independent living workshop that includes an independent living, overnight component. Students will be involved in a one week, intensive, curriculum focused on daily living and functional skills carried out in the residence halls of the college campus. This experience will include skills such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and living in living with peers away from home. The goal is to foster as much independence as possible.