Program Description
In District 21, there are many
diverse programs to meet the needs of learning disabled students.
Each program is defined by the specific needs of the building
in which it is housed.
The Learning Disabilities/Emotiona
Disorders Resource Program at Riley School is one of diagnosis
and remediation of learning and /or behavioral problems in students
from grades K-5. Diagnosis is based upon the classroom teacher's
records of the student's work, assessment data, description of
the student's behavior, observation of the student in various
school settings, and parent input. Information regarding the
student's psycho-social development, academic progress, physical
and emotional development is obtained by members of the Child
Study Team. Other specialists, as nurse, speech pathologist,
social worker, may be involved in evaluating the student depending
upon specific needs. The results of the evaluation indicate whether
the student meets District 21 and NSSEO eligibility criteria
for learning disabilities/behavioral disordered support services.
These criteria are based on federal(IDEA) and state mandates.
The remediation program is
primarily of the resource type where the student attends for
no more than fifty percent of the school day. A student may require
more direct service depending on the severity of the disability.
A totally individualized program is developed in which work is
geared to the areas on which skill remediation and compensatory
strategies are needed. Activities are coordinated with a particular
student's classwork as planned between the classroom teacher
and the L,D./E.D. Resource teacher. Students are serviced on
an individualized basis in groups no larger than four. A great
variety of techniques and materials are utilized in the resource
program in order to meet the needs of each student in the program.
In addition, the L.D/E.D. teacher
may provide service in the regular education classroom. Activities
such as co-teaching, teaching a specific strategy to an entire
class, working with small groups, and monitoring specific students
have all been implemented at Riley School. These activities are
dependent upon specific student and teacher needs.
The Learning Disabilities/Emotional
Disorders Resource Program is designed to provide each student
with instruction appropriate for their current needs and strengths.
Working at their acquisitional level leads to learning and a
solid foundation for further progress. As students progress they
become confident and are impowered to better work in the classroom.
Thus, the rate of success increases.
In the spring of each school
year, all the students are reevaluated by the L.D./E.D. teacher.
Identified goals and objectives are reviewed. At this time it
is determined whether the student will be placed out of the program,
place on a consultation only basis, or will continue for further
support. By working with the students through their identified
abilities and training them in their diagnosed deficit areas,
the L.D./B.D. Resource Program is working toward the basic goal
of instruction in District 21 which is to provide a program to
fully develop each individual's capacities.
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