Expanded Core Curriculum

California Department of Education Seal

(a)    The Legislature finds and declares that the expanded core curriculum is a set of knowledge and skills in which instruction or services, or both, may be beneficial to a pupil who is blind, has low vision, or is visually impaired. Local educational agencies may consider the expanded core curriculum when developing individualized education programs for a pupil who is blind, has low vision, or is visually impaired.

(b)   The expanded core curriculum is defined to be all of the following:

(1)   Compensatory skills, such as braille and concept development and other skills needed to access the core curriculum.

(2)   Orientation and mobility.

(3)   Social interaction skills.

(4)   Career technical education.

(5)   Assistive technology, including optical devices.

(6)   Independent living skills.

(7)   Recreation and leisure.

(8)   Self-determination.

(9)   Sensory efficiency.

(c)    When appropriate to ensure that a pupil will receive adequate services under this section, those services may be provided before or after school hours.

Federal Register

US Department of Education Guidelines

US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, "Educating Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Policy Guidance".  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 111 / Thursday, June 8, 2000 / Notices

F. Additional Factors in IEP Development The following needs 36 also may need to be considered and appropriately addressed by the child’s IEP team to ensure a child’s appropriate access to the general curriculum:


This list is not intended to be exhaustive. A child’s IEP team could determine that it would be appropriate to consider an individual child’s need for other skills or services, in addition to those listed above.