The "core curriculum" is the knowledge and skills a student is expected to learn by high school graduation.
The core curriculum for visually impaired students is not the same as for sighted students.
There are experiences and concepts that sighted students just casually and incidentally learn.
A visually impaired student, on the other hand, must be taught these experiences and concepts systematically and sequentially.
Therefore, the core curriculum must be expanded for the visually impaired student.
The "expanded core curriculum" consists of the following skills: oCompensatory and functional skills which include learning experiences such as concept development, spatial understanding, study and organizational skills, speaking and listening skills and adaptations necessary for accessing all areas of the core curriculum oOrientation and mobility skills to enable the students to learn about themselves and the environment in which they move oSocial interaction skills which are so fundamental that it can mean the difference between social isolationand a satisfying and fulfilling life as an adult oDaily living skills which enable the students to lead lives as independently as possible oRecreation and leisure skills which can be enjoyed throughout their adult lives oCareer education to enable the visually impaired learner first-hand opportunities to learn about various jobs oTechnology to enhance communication and learning and expand the world of the blind and visually impaired oVisually efficiency skills to enable low vision students to better and more efficiently utilize their remaining vision These areas are not adequately addressed by regular classroom teacher.
It is the main responsibility of teachers and parents of visually impaired student to see that the knowledge and skills of the expanded core curriculum become part of the students' total core curriculum.