Program Supports and Services

  • Special education programs, services and supports are provided to address the unique needs of our students with disabilities ages 14 through 22. While inclusive practices are at the forefront of our programming allowing students with mild to severe disabilities to receive services at all levels within general education settings, Lake Forest High School does offer a continuum of services based on individual student need. LFHS is also a member of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 allowing the district access to additional special education services, related services and consultation services. 

    Co-teaching

    In a co-teaching course, a general education and a special education teacher engage in collaborative planning to design and carry out differentiated lesson plans to meet the needs of all learners within the general education setting. The special educator also supports specialized instruction and needed curricula modifications in accordance with student IEP goals. Co-teaching supports are offered in Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies based on student course enrollment and identified  needs. 

    Co-facilitation

    In a co-facilitated course, a special education teacher assistant works collaboratively with the general education teacher within the general education setting. The teaching assistant provides supplemental instructional support for individual and/or small groups of students, supports the implementation of identified accommodations, enhances positive student interactions and helps with overall classroom management. Co-facilitation supports are offered in Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies based on student course enrollment and identified needs. 

    Learning Strategies Course

    The Learning Strategies course is taught by a special education teacher. The goal of this course is to provide students with tools and strategies associated with identified deficit areas in their IEP that they need to be successful across their courses as well as preparation for their post-secondary goals. Depending on the level of student need, students may be scheduled into this course on a full or part-time basis. 

    Instructional Level Courses

    Instructional level special education courses are designed to parallel the curriculum offered in the same general education course while at the same time allowing for a higher degree of individualized instruction to close the achievement gap.  Instructional course options are offered based on student need and vary from year to year. Each year’s offerings can be located in the Lake Forest High School Student Course Guide. 

    Educational and Life Skills Courses 

    Educational and Life Skills Courses are designed to meet the needs of students with more significant disabilities to acquire functional academic and life skills. Social skills development is also embedded within the course to increase age-appropriate social interactions across their day. All students enrolled in these courses are working towards the completion of a standard high school diploma.

    Transition Program 

    The Transition Program provides a combination of classroom and community‐based instruction for students with cognitive challenges. Students participate in group and individualized activities designed to meet their transition goals which include practical opportunities to learn social, vocational and personal management skills. Students have opportunities to develop independence while being involved in vocational training, coursework, volunteerism, fitness and recreational experiences. Participants are encouraged to utilize peer, school and community resources toward the ultimate goal of being an active, working, contributing member of their community.

    Related Services

    Student’s are found eligible for related services through the special education evaluation process. Related services help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by providing extra help and support in needed areas, such as speaking or moving. Related services can include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

    • Speech and Language
    • Social Work
    • Psychological
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Behavioral Intervention
    • Assistive Technology