Special Education

The Township High School District 113 Special Education Department supports the district’s vision of providing every student with an excellent and equitable education in environments that foster inclusive school communities, where belonging, achievement, and access are prioritized. We are dedicated to creating inclusionary settings that empower students to grow both academically and functionally, fostering independence and supporting lifelong success.

Special Education provides specially designed instruction, support, and services to students with identified disabilities through the implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), addressing each student’s unique learning needs. Our purpose is to enable students to develop to their full potential, both academically and social/emotionally, within settings that best support their growth.

Our Special Educators work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, school staff, and community representatives, assisting students in achieving their individualized goals. They also work closely with all staff to increase understanding of students with disabilities and to guide educators in providing appropriate support and services as outlined in each student’s IEP. The work of the Special Education Department is carried out with care, integrity, fairness, patience, and respect.

Small group instructional classes are offered in core academic areas and are detailed throughout this booklet under the appropriate departments. Enrollment in all classes taught by Special Education Teachers is determined through the IEP process.

INSTRUCTIONAL  CLASSES
Prerequisite: Students must have an IEP and be recommended through the IEP process

Some students with disabilities may benefit from small-group instruction in core academic subjects, such as math, reading, or writing, to increase their skill proficiency. These classes are taught by special education teachers and are designed to align with the general education curriculum while being individualized and adapted to meet each student's unique needs. Enrollment in these classes is determined through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, where a team assesses the student’s needs and decides on the most appropriate placement to support their educational progress. Additionally, the availability of small-group instruction is dependent on enrollment numbers, as sufficient student participation is necessary to maintain the small-group structure and ensure effective instruction.

FUNCTIONAL CLASSES
Prerequisite: Students must have an IEP and be recommended through the IEP process

Functional classes are small group instructional classes taught by Special Education
teachers in core academic areas. These classes provide a functional academic
curriculum that focuses on basic skill development. Functional classes encompass
life skills, vocational education and practical application to promote independence
in the local community. Enrollment in Functional classes is made through the
Individualized Education Process. OPEN 9-12.