ADAPTIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Adaptive Services Department coordinates and delivers the educational services necessary to provide at-risk students the opportunity to graduate successfully. This includes basic classes adapted from required courses and made appropriate in method and content for the at-risk student. It also includes arranging for individual students who meet the criteria for this level of adaptation. It may also include placement in the Tutor Center where students receive academic support under the direction of a special education teacher in lieu of a study hall. The Adaptive Services Department is an advocate throughout the school and community for all students that require adaptation to succeed academically at Illiana Christian High School.

The Adaptive Services Department provides two levels of services. The type of assistance offered is dependent on the student’s specific educational needs and what would be the least restrictive environment for that student. (Illiana will always provide the least amount of intervention needed to secure a continuing opportunity for success.)

LEVEL ONE:

Basic Classes: Basic classes are alternatives to required core courses with modified curricular objectives employing a slower pace of instruction to create the opportunity for success for students not able to function well in the required core course, including students in the Adaptive Services Department. Most basic classes are taught by content-area faulty, not Adaptive Services Department faculty. Generally, these classes will serve up to twenty students. Students do not need a clinical diagnosis for eligibility to be scheduled into these classes. A credible test showing scores at least two years below expected grade level can be used. (The grades are weighted at 80% of their value in calculating the GPA.)

Classroom Adaptations: Teachers, at the direction of the Adaptive Services Department Coordinator, can make a variety of adaptations in the classroom. These might include oral testing, electronic note-taking, employing a pass/fail grade, or allowing for extra time on tests. (There are specific forms that must be used to arrange for these adaptations.)

LEVEL TWO:

Tutor Center: Tutor Center is a structured, small-group study hall (usually not more than ten students) in which students may receive remedial instruction, guidance with organization and planning, assistance in test preparation, and assistance in homework completion. As much as possible, the Tutor Center is staffed every period of the day with an Adaptive Services Department teacher. Students need a clinical diagnosis for eligibility to receive services in the Tutor Center, as well as a credible test showing scores at least two years below expected grade level.

ENTRANCE CRITERIA:

Involvement in the Adaptive Services Department will be at the discretion of the department faculty under the authority of the principal, the Education Committee, and, ultimately the School Board. Generally, a student will be allowed to participate if a majority of the following criteria are met.
1. The student has a significant, clinically diagnosed learning challenge, as detailed in a psychiatric or medical report, or as stated on an IEP, or a 504 Plan.
2. The student has been recommended by a sending school as being in need of adaptive services.
3. A credible, recent test, such as the Explore test, indicates the student is functioning two or more years below grade level.
4. The student demonstrates through attitude and use of time the willingness to receive the services provided by the Adaptive Services Department.