Parent Information Night

WELCOME TO High School District 211

Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Township High School District211 Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

The mission of District 211 is … to serve the educational needs of the community by developing and implementing quality programs which challenge students to achieve their potential to become contributing, informed citizens capable of meeting the demands of a changing world. Dr. Nancy Robb Superintendent of Schools

District 211 Special Education Administrators Assistant Director of Special Education, Renée Erickson Assistant Director of Special Education, Mary Pat Krones Director of Special Education, Julie Nowak

Palatine High School Home of the Pirates

Important Palatine HS People Principal, Gary Steiger Special Education Chair, Kelli Klein

William Fremd High School Home of the Vikings

Important Fremd HS People Special Education Chair, Kathryn La Mantia Principal, Lisa Small

James B. Conant High School Home of the Cougars

Important Conant HS People Special Education Chair, John Jonen Principal, Tim Cannon

Schaumburg High School Home of the Saxons

Important Schaumburg HS People Special Education Chair, Cindy O’Donnell Principal, Tim Little

Hoffman Estates High School Home of the Hawks

Important Hoffman HS People Special Education Chair, Diane Pfister Principal, James Britton

High School Can Feel Like a BIG Place Facilities: District 211 consists of five high schools and two therapeutic day schools. Each state of the art facility has a swimming pool, an artificial turf athletic field and a 500-seat auditorium. Personnel: The district employs 993 certified staff and 888 support service personnel. Students: There are nearly 13,000 students enrolled in District 211’s schools.

High School Can Feel Like a BIG Place Supports: Freshmen orientation Student Services department Special education case managers Tutoring centers Computer labs

High School Helps Students to … become self-advocates. become active participants in their education. learn to take responsibility for their actions. transition to adulthood. become informed citizens.

To be Successful, Students Must … Complete homework independently and on time. Ask for help when needed. Respect school officials. Follow directions. Be responsible for their actions. Develop study skills - do more than just focus on doing assignments.

Graduation Requirements for the High School Diploma Mandated 20 Credits - 18 Academic - 2 Physical Education 4 years Physical Education 4 years English 3 years math 2 years social science 2 years science Health Consumer Education Driver’s Education –or- 30 hours of instruction in safety education Electives

How to get 20 credits Earn AT LEAST 5 credits each year Make wise choices when selecting classes If you fail a class enroll in summer school to stay on track Without 20 credits, a student WILL NOT graduate, regardless of how many years he or she has attended high school!

High School Activities Athletics Competitive Groups Performing Arts Career Clubs Publications Student Government Honors Special Olympics

Participation/Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Sports/Activities Code of Behavior IHSA Criteria Attendance Academic Eligibility Driver’s Education

How Are Educational Placement Decisions Made? Student’s current academic performance Student’s educational needs Evaluation results incoming freshman testing case study findings

Special Education Services to Meet Individual Student Needs Resource Service Center Co-Taught classes Resource/Strategies General Studies classes EDSC – Individualized instructional period(s) SCED – Self-contained for entire day Services for low incidence disabilities Out-of-building programs

Services for Low Incidence Populations Cluster Sites providing specialized services ELS: Educational Life Skills (HEHS) Functional academic curriculum PH: Physically Handicapped Program (PHS) Supports students with PH needs MC: Multiply Challenged (SHS) Serves students with severe medical and/or cognitive needs MN: Multiple Needs (HEHS) Functional and sensory-based academic curriculum ATP: Adult Transition Program (HEHS) Functional transitional program

Services for Low Incidence Populations Life and Learning Strategies 4 year curriculum for students with ASDs or who have related needs Strategies include: Communication, social skills development, problem-solving, emotional self-awareness, organization, time management Sensory integration as needed Hard of Hearing and Deaf Visually Impaired Member of NSSEO

Services for High Incidence Populations Learning Strategies 2 year curriculum Strategy instruction in: test-taking, note-taking, reading/writing, study skills, organization IEP self-awareness self-determination skill building post-secondary transition development Life Strategies Problem-solving, coping skill development, emotional regulation, relationship skills, communication skills

Services for High Incidence Populations General Studies Core academics at a modified instructional level, while meeting graduation requirements Cross-categorical setting IEP goal development intertwined into content instruction Support Center Core academics at a modified/separate setting for behavioral/emotional needs Instruction in regular education curriculum moved at individualized or small group pace Responsive to student’s behavioral/emotional needs with point system & immediate feedback Self-Contained “School within a school” Highly supported and supervised Social, emotional and behavioral needs addressed Individual and group counseling Point and level system used each period to provide immediate feedback and redirection Instruction in problem-solving, emotional regulation and self-awareness

Role of Special Education Staff Assist with the transition process Provide support – academic and emotional Guide students in meeting IEP goals Foster student self-advocacy and independence Teach compensatory strategies Facilitate IEP accommodations

Student Tips for Success in High School Get involved in activities! Self-advocate for needs Ask questions Apply skills Demonstrate responsibility Take advantage of academic opportunities Work towards graduation requirements Become familiar with IEP goals and accommodations Use an assignment notebook Set a homework routine (time & location)

Student Tips for Success in High School Strategies for Parents to Ease the Transition to High School Student Tips for Success in High School Utilize email to communicate with teachers and case managers Utilize On-line Parent Access Dialogue with your child about school Encourage your child to practice responsibility Encourage your child to self-advocate for needs and accommodations Establish a routine at home for reviewing grade progress and homework completion

Timeline of Events Fall 2010 Junior high & high school meet/share student information Dec 4, 2010 Explore Placement Test 8AM, bring calculator, snack for ext. time, call home when finished with extended time Jan 19, 2011 Incoming Freshman Parent Open House 6:30pm – 9:00pm Feb 2011 Transition/IEP conference course & program recommendations summer school recommendation freshman orientation information Summer 2011 Summer School – possible course recommendation updates August 2011 attend Freshman Open House activities

High School is a Great Place To Be! We want your student to be successful and enjoy his or her high school experience!

We Are Ready To Do Our Best! Join Us!

forward to working together with you! Many Thanks! We look forward to working together with you!