Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
Download the ECC Flyer (pdf 228kb)
What is the Expanded Core Curriculum?
The term expanded core curriculum (ECC) is used to define concepts and skills that often require specialized instruction with students who are blind or visually impaired in order to compensate for decreased opportunities to learn incidentally by observing others. In addition to the general education core curriculum that all students are taught, students with visual impairments, starting at birth, also need instruction in the ECC. The ECC areas include (A) needs that result from the visual impairment that enable the student “to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum; and (B) other educational needs that result from the child’s disability” as required by IDEA (34 CFR 300.320 (a)(2)(A)(B)). Texas Education Code (TEC) 30.002(c)(5) and (e)(5) require the flexibility of school districts to make arrangements for services to occur “beyond regular school hours to ensure the student learns the skills and receives the instruction” in the ECC.
With the passage of Senate Bill 39 in 2013 (Texas 83rd Legislative Session), evaluation in all areas of the ECC is required for students with visual impairments. Priority needs must be identified by the IEP team and instruction provided in these areas.
Nine Areas of the ECC:
1. Assistive Technology
2. Career Education
3. Compensatory Skills
4. Independent Living Skills
5. Orientation & Mobility (O&M)
6. Recreation & Leisure
7. Self-Determination
8. Sensory Efficiency
9. Social Interaction Skills