Special Education Department at Morton West
Welcome!
Welcome to Special Education!
On this page, you will find a list of courses offered, downloadable resources, staff contact information and promotional videos.
Carol Best
Executive Director of Special Education
Email: cbest@jsmorton.org
Jennifer Pufpaf
Special Education Coordinator (Morton West)
708-780-4100 x3733
Angela Duran
Special Education Coordinator Secretary
708-780-4100 x3724
Barbara Meeters
Off Campus Special Education Coordinator
708-780-4100 x3725
Freddy Calixto
Special Education IEP Facilitator
708-780-4100 x3735
Special Education Continuum
The special education continuum refers to the range of services and placements available to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. It is a framework that outlines the various options for providing special education services based on the individual needs of each student. The continuum typically includes a variety of placement options, instructional approaches, and support services, ranging from the least restrictive environment (LRE) to the most restrictive environment.
Special education is specially designed instruction aimed at meeting the unique needs of eligible students. This requires school personnel to adapt the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction according to the diverse abilities of a given student. Although some students are provided alternate curricula and specialized teaching methods, most receive education in the form of adjustments in the frequency, intensity, or duration of instruction, the amount of content covered, the explicitness of instruction, modifications or adaptations to instructional materials, the frequency of feedback, and/or prescribed motivational or reinforcement strategies.
Special Education Resources
Academic Resource Services
Academic Resource Services
Course Description
Students are enrolled in core classes for one or more periods of the day and need additional support to be successful in these classes. During the 30 minute resource period, the resource teacher will review progress in core classes, re-teach, review or modify curriculum, reinforce study skills, and work on improving student deficit areas, as delineated in the IEP. The resource teacher will provide testing accommodations either through a pull out or push in model, whichever is appropriate, as delineated in the IEP.
CREDIT: 0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Inclusion Resource
Inclusion Resource
Course Description
Students are enrolled in general education core classes of students that includes frequent push-in and pull-out by a Special Education Inclusion teacher for each content-area. Students receive small group instruction, assistance with executive functioning skills, and have their academic and functional performance reviewed by a Special Education teacher. The Inclusion Resource teachers arrange testing accommodations and with their general education counterparts to ensure curriculum is appropriately delivered to students who receive Special Education.
CREDIT: 0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Emotional, Behavioral, and Emotional Skills Resource
Emotional, Behavioral, and Emotional Skills Resource
Course Description
Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Skills Resource supports students through push-in and pull-out services. Supplementary instruction is provided in addition to the general education instruction that the student receives. Additionally, this resource setting supplements the general instruction for students through work on social, emotional and behavioral management strategies. Special Education teachers provide explicit instruction and support around social, emotional, and behavioral areas to prevent or respond to student behavior.
CREDIT: 0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
LDI Courses
Self Contained Instructional (LDI) Courses
• Self-contained setting; dependent on IEP placement
• Small group setting, 9-13 students in the classroom
• SPED Teacher and Teaching Assistant
• Regular diploma Received (grade level curriculum)
• Courses have the same description as corresponding core level classes
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Gen-Ed Supervisory or FSI Resource (if taking Gen-Ed electives)
Self-Contained Instructional (LDI) Courses
LDI Resource
Students placed by IEP Only.
Students placed in Self Contained Instructional (LDI) program who need additional support to be successful in their classes can take a resource period. The LDI Resource teacher will review grades, reinforce executive functioning skills, and work on improving student deficient areas.
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MATH |
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Course Code |
Course Name |
Grade |
Length of class |
Credit |
|
M10S1F/ M10S1S
|
Integrated Math I |
9 |
One Year |
1.0 |
|
M20S1F/
M20S1S
|
Integrated Math II |
10 |
One Year |
1.0 |
|
M31S1F/
M31S1S
|
Integrated Math Ill |
11 |
One Year |
1.0 |
SCIENCE |
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|
Course Code |
Course Name |
Grade |
Length of class |
Credit |
|
S11S1F/ S11S1S |
Biology |
9 |
One Year |
1.0 |
|
S24S1F/
S24S1S
|
Earth Science |
10 |
One Year |
1.0 |
|
S22S1F/ S22S1S |
Chemistry |
10 |
One Year |
1.0 |
HEALTH(MORTON EAST AND MORTON WEST ONLY) |
||||
|
Course Code |
Course Name |
Grade |
Length of class |
Credit |
|
Q77S7F or Q77S7S |
Health |
9 |
One Semester |
0.5 |
FSI Courses
Functional Skills Instruction (FSI) Courses
• Depending on Placement
• Small group setting
• SPED Teacher and Teaching Assistant
• Adjusted diploma received (significantly modified curriculum)
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Gen-Ed Supervisory or FSI Resource (if taking Gen-Ed electives)
- Functional Skills Instruction (FSI)
- FSI Resource
- Applied English I
- Applied English II
- Applied English III
- Applied English IV
- Applied Math I
- Applied Math II
- Applied Math III
- Applied Math IV
- Applied Science
- Applied History
Functional Skills Instruction (FSI)
Functional Skills Instruction (FSI)
Course Description
The Functional Skills Instruction (FSI) Program provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes which focus on the remediation of basic math and English skills, along with vocational training. All academics are presented on a functional level, and incorporated into real-world scenarios. Students in FSI are encouraged to work with peers in small groups in order to strengthen social skills. Appropriate responses and social interactions are fostered during all aspects of the program. With the completion of the program, students will earn a regular diploma. An adjusted diploma is earned through a modified curriculum.
The ultimate goal of the program is to help students become as independent and successful members of society as possible. The core classes for the program are Applied English and Applied Math. There is also a vocational training component. Vocational training includes volunteer positions within the building, supportive employment at an off-campus training site, and competitive employment within the community. The program also offers other content courses such as World Readiness, Office Skills, Health and PE. Students independently follow their schedule, navigate the building and take general education electives when appropriate.
• Self-contained, small classroom environment
• SPED Teacher & Aide
• Adjusted Diploma
• Instruction facilitates transition from school to postsecondary life
CREDIT: 0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
FSI Resource
FSI Resource
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Students placed in the Functional Skills Program who need additional support to be successful in their classes can take a resource period in place of Academic Support Lab. The FSI Supervisory teacher will review grades, reinforce executive functioning skills, and work on advancing student performance.
Applied English I
Applied English I
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
In this course, we will address phonics skills, the remediation of basic reading skills, and improvement of comprehension skills. We will be using System44, which is an online, interactive, individualized standards-based curriculum.
CREDIT: 1.0
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Applied English II
Applied English II
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
This course addresses phonics skills, the remediation of basic reading skills, and improvement of comprehension skills. System44, an online, interactive, individualized standards-based curriculum will be used.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH I
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH I
OFFERED: One year course
Applied English III
Applied English III
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
This course addresses phonics skills, the remediation of basic reading skills, and improvement of comprehension skills. System44, an on line, interactive, individualized standards-based curriculum will be used. This curriculum is taught at a more advanced level than Applied English II.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH II
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH II
OFFERED: One year course
Applied English IV
Applied English IV
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
This course addresses phonics skills, the remediation of basic reading skills, and improvement of comprehension skills. System44, an online, interactive, individualized standards-based curriculum will be used. This curriculum is taught at a more advanced level than Applied English III.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH III
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED ENGLISH III
OFFERED: One year course
Applied Math I
Applied Math I
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
In this course, we will address the remediation of basic math skills, along with the development of functional math skills that will enable students to become as independent as possible. We will be using the Unique Learning System, which is an online, interactive, standards based curriculum.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Applied Math II
Applied Math II
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
In this course, we will address the remediation of basic math skills, along with the development of functional math skills that will enable students to become as independent as possible. We will be using the Unique Learning System, which is an on line, interactive, standards based curriculum.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH I
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH I
OFFERED: One year course
Applied Math III
Applied Math III
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
In this course, we will address the remediation of basic math skills, along with the development of functional math skills that will enable students to become as independent as possible. We will be using the Unique Learning System, which is an on line, interactive, standards based curriculum.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH II
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH II
OFFERED: One year course
Applied Math IV
Applied Math IV
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
In this course, we will address the remediation of basic math skills, along with the development of functional math skills that will enable students to become as independent as possible. We will be using the Unique Learning System, which is an on line, interactive, standards based curriculum. This curriculum is at a more advanced level than Math III.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH III
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: One year of APPLIED MATH III
OFFERED: One year course
Applied Science
Applied History
Applied History
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Students will explore a variety of topics pertaining to social studies. Students will learn basic map skills, introduction to world religions and important world and American historical events while focusing on improvement in reading, writing, comprehension and critical thinking.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
FSI HEALTH/PE |
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Course Code |
Course Name |
Grade |
Length of class |
Credit |
|
Q11S6F or Q11S6S |
Health I |
9 |
One Semester |
.5 |
|
S27S6F or S27S6S |
Health II |
12 |
One Semester |
.5 |
|
P51S6F or P51S6S |
FSI PE |
9 |
One Year |
.5 |
|
P51S6F or P51S6S |
FSI PE |
10-12 |
One Semester |
1.0 |
Students will work on state required standards for Health and PE courses using a modified curriculum.
ASI Courses
Adaptive Skills Instruction (ASI) Courses
ASI courses are determined through the IEP process and certificate of completion is earned. The ASI program is housed at the West Campus. The ASI Program is designed to incorporate daily living skills throughout the school day, such as hygiene, pre-vocational, self-care skills, and toileting. Community-based instruction trips help students generalize adaptive skills, including consumer skills, safety skills, and community etiquette. Core instruction is received in a self-contained environment with aide support. The vocational training component of the program includes positions that allow the students to practice work skills, behaviors, teamwork, and appropriate work attitudes. Students require extensive direct instruction and/or extensive support in multiple settings to acquire, maintain, and generalize academic and functional skills necessary for application in school, work, home, and community environments.
• Depending on Placement
• Small group setting
• SPED Teacher and Teaching Assistant
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
• Transportation
• Extended School Year (ESY)
Elective Courses
Elective Courses in Special Education
• Depending on Placement
• Small group setting
• SPED Teacher and Teaching Assistant
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
• Transportation
• Extended School Year (ESY)
- Office Skills (West Campus Only)
- World Readiness (West Campus Only)
- Employability Skills I (West Campus Only)
- Employability Skills II (West Campus Only)
- Employability Skills III (West Campus Only)
- Career Exploration (West Campus Only)
- Foundational Math (East Campus Only)
- Strategic Reading (East Campus Only)
- Related Instruction/Employment I
- Related Instruction/Employment II
- Unified Art (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
- Unified P.E (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
Office Skills (West Campus Only)
Office Skills (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
This class raises each student's awareness in the skills needed to work in an office setting. The following are some of the areas that will be addressed: interpersonal skills, computer programs, data entry, alphabetizing/filing, and telephone skills.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
World Readiness (West Campus Only)
World Readiness (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
This class is designed to raise student awareness of pertinent current events in the U.S. and around the world, how to understand what they mean and how that may affect them. The class also focuses on teaching critical every-day life skills such transportation and financial planning/literacy.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Employability Skills I (West Campus Only)
Employability Skills I (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Entry level work program class for students ready to begin working independently with minimal supports and supervision. Students are placed in training sites in the school twice a week. In class, students learn about universal job skills and how to complete basic forms.
Course can be repeated for credit.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Employability Skills II (West Campus Only)
Employability Skills II (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Moderate level work program class for students capable of working independently with minimal supports and supervision. Students are placed in training sites in the school three days a week. In class, students learn how to complete applications, develop a resume and interview.
Course can be repeated for credit.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS I
PREREQUISITE: One year of EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS I
OFFERED: One year course
Employability Skills III (West Campus Only)
Employability Skills III (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Advanced level work program class for students capable of working in competitive or volunteer jobs (with or without supports) in the community. Students attend class daily to learn how to obtain and maintain part time employment.
Course can be repeated for credit.
CREDIT: 2.0GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS II
PREREQUISITE: One year of EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS II
OFFERED: One year course
Career Exploration (West Campus Only)
Career Exploration (West Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Work program class for students who are not ready or capable working in the building or community without direct supervision. Class will focus on career exploration, learning about Universal Job Skills, completing applications, developing resumes and interviewing.
Course can be repeated for credit.
CREDIT: 1.0GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Foundational Math (East Campus Only)
Foundational Math (East Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
A program which utilizes Math 180 software and instruction related to increasing students basic math and Algebraic skills.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: INTEGRATED MATH I, INTEGRATED MATH II, INTEGRATED III, OR IEP PLACEMENT
PREREQUISITE: INTEGRATED MATH I, INTEGRATED MATH II, INTEGRATED III, OR IEP PLACEMENT
OFFERED: One year course
Strategic Reading (East Campus Only)
Strategic Reading (East Campus Only)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
A blended learning program utilizing Read 180 and System 44 technology to help struggling readers improve skills. This program combines technology and teacher-led instruction to provide an individualized experience for students customizing instruction and targeting the student's specific reading needs.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: IEP PLACEMENT
PREREQUISITE: IEP PLACEMENT
OFFERED: One year course
Related Instruction/Employment I
Related Instruction/Employment II
Related Instruction/Employment II
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
Students will build the skills necessary for successful employment, seek and maintain part-time employment. This class is taught at a more advanced level than Related Instruction/Employment I.
CREDIT: 2.0
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: One year of RELATED INSTRUCTION/EMPLOYMENT I
PREREQUISITE: One year of RELATED INSTRUCTION/EMPLOYMENT I
OFFERED: One year course
Unified Art (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
Unified Art (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
The Unified Art Class for students with and without disabilities is a comprehensive course that aims to provide a broad understanding of different forms of art while creating an inclusive learning environment. This course is designed to offer an equal opportunity for students to express themselves creatively, learn about different art styles and movements, and improve their artistic skills.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One semester course
Unified P.E (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
Unified P.E (West Campus Only/Elective for FSI/ASI)
Course Description
Students placed by IEP only.
The Unified Physical Education course is designed to educate students holistically in an inclusive setting while focusing on physical and behavioral health, sports skill development, and individual student growth. The Inclusive Youth Leadership component of the Unified Physical Education course focuses on engaging students in strengths-based leadership activities that help students better understand themselves and their ability to work more successfully in inclusive and individual opportunities, while also increasing their capacity as leaders and learners.
CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course
Resources
Special Education Resources
- Procedural Safeguards-Spanish
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Health Clinic
- Corazon
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Community Support Services
- Resource List for Students with Special Needs
- Parents Guide to Understanding Special Education
- Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents with Disabilities
- IEP Forms
- IDA Federal Registar
- Continuum of Special Education Services
- Childfind
- Aviso de Garantias de Procedimiento