Special Education
The Glenbrook South Special Education Department is a collaborative team committed to meeting the diverse academic, social, emotional, vocational and functional needs of students as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.
The department strives to provide each student access to a variety of learning opportunities by offering support through general education classes, special education classes, and a wide array of related services. We foster independence by helping students develop self-advocacy skills to manage and monitor academic, behavioral and personal goals while maintaining the highest level of dignity.
- Resource
- Developmental Learning Services (DLS)
- Achieve Realize Contribute Honor (ARCH)
- Glenbrook Transition Services
- Teaching Life Skills Program
Resource
Resource class places an emphasis on reviewing student goals and progress and providing time to access resources specific to individual student needs. Resource may be used for homework planning and completion, time-management and improving self-advocacy skills, while developing and maintaining executive functioning skills.
Developmental Learning Services (DLS)
DLS instructional courses are designed for students with learning difficulties who are functioning below grade level and are in need of a modified academic curriculum. DLS offers a smaller class size with highly individualized instruction. Typical classes consist of 8-13 students with a special education teacher and, at times, an instructional assistant. Students move between teachers and/or classrooms for each subject.
Achieve Realize Contribute Honor (ARCH)
ARCH courses provide students with therapeutic support needed to overcome emotional and/or behavioral interference and achieve academic and personal success. ARCH offers a smaller class size with highly individualized instruction. Typical classes consist of 8-13 students with a special education teacher and, at times, an instructional assistant. Group and/or individual counseling are offered based on student need and determined through IEP team discussion. Courses are designed to bridge the academic gap and foster success in general education classes
Glenbrook Transition Services
The Glenbrooks offer District-wide transition services focusing on person-centered planning for students ages 18-21. Our philosophy is to provide a partnership between home and school specifically addressing the areas of work externships, postsecondary education, community access, independent living, and recreation. Goals are based on these areas while emphasis is placed on student self-advocacy.
Teaching Life Skills Program
GBS, in partnership with True North 804 (formerly NSSED), offers instruction designed for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and adaptive skill deficits. In small groups, with individually tailored instruction, students are taught life skills such as functional academics, communication, leisure, vocational and social skills. Additionally, the TLS Program has a strong community-based instructional component that facilitates the generalization of academic, social and vocational skills into a natural community environment.
Staff Directory
Staff
Michael Carter
GBS
Bridget Caruso
GBS
Courses
DLS English
Practical English 1 (TDE11300S) and Practical English 2 (TDE21300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the areas of reading, writing, and communication. Students follow an individualized curriculum with content and objectives based upon appropriate state standards. Varied learning styles and an active, skills-based and hands-on approach to learning is utilized. Frequent community based instruction supports classroom learning.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
English 163 (TDE53300S), 263 (TDE63300S), 363 (TDE73300S), 463 (TDE83300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course follows the curriculum, content and objectives established by the state standards. Reading, writing, and communication skills build the foundation of each course. Varied learning styles and individual needs are taken into account and an active, hands-on approach to learning is utilized.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
DLS Reading
Reading Foundations TDR50300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course offers support to students whose reading deficits significantly impact their academic success. An individualized diagnostic reading assessment identifying strengths and weaknesses is administered to each student. Direct and explicit Instructional strategies will be implemented in the areas of phonics, spelling, and fluency.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Reading Fluency and Comprehension (TDR60300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course offers support to students whose reading deficits significantly impact their academic success. An individualized diagnostic reading assessment identifying strengths and weaknesses is administered to each student. Direct and explicit instructional strategies through the Read 180 program to build mastery in fluency and overall comprehension.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Reading Enrichment (TDR70300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course offers support to students whose reading deficits significantly impact their academic success. An individualized diagnostic reading assessment identifying strengths and weaknesses is administered to each student. Explicit instruction in the independent application of various comprehension strategies along with collaborative activities in order to gain an in-depth understanding of a variety of text types.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
DLS Math
Practical Mathematics 163 (TDM10300S) 263 (TDM40300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students with instruction in beginning and functional mathematics. The course covers mathematical knowledge and skills in the areas of basic numeration, patterns, time, money, budgeting, graphing, and measurement. Real life applications and problem solving methods are emphasized. Students follow an individualized curriculum with active, skills-based and hands-on approaches to learning. Students enrolled in this course also have the opportunity to experience community-based instruction to support classroom learning.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Essential Math 163 (TDM51300S), 263 (TDM52300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on the application of fundamental and functional math skills including; the four basic operations, place value, measurement, fractions, graphing, decimals, radicals, exponents and analyzing data. The course also includes the use of whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers.
PREREQUISITE: Practical Math or placement by department recommendation
Intermediate Math 163 (TDM54300S) 263 (TDM55300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on the further development and integration of the mathematics skills introduced during the essential math course and is designed to prepare students for entry into the algebra concepts and applications course. Units include standard pre-algebra topics such as integer manipulations, evaluating expressions, and solutions to simple linear equations. Emphasis will be on problem solving and application of all skills.
PREREQUISITE: Essential Math or placement by department recommendation
Algebra 163 (TDM61300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students knowledge of algebraic concepts and skills. Emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and applications. Topics may include: variables, integers, linear equations, writing and solving algebraic expressions, number properties, and graphing and the coordinate plane. Emphasis is placed on skill development and real world applications. Varied learning styles and an active, skills-based and hands-on approach to learning is utilized.
PREREQUISITE: Intermediate Math or placement by department recommendation
Geometry 163 (TDM71300S), 263 (TDM72300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students knowledge of geometric concepts and skills. Emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and applications. Topics may include: review of algebra skills and equations, properties of lines, points, planes, angles, and polygons, along with basic proofs and theorems. Emphasis is placed on skill development and real world applications.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra or placement by department recommendation
Algebra II TDM TDM64300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This course addresses modeling, including extensive work with linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, and sinusoidal functions. Equations, inequalities, and systems are addressed. Students learn right triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course also covers principles of probability.
Applied Math (TDM82300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course emphasizes the use of math in everyday life focusing on the analysis and solution of problems. Students will be exposed to basic techniques in finance, consumer decision making, budgeting and bill paying, measurement and estimation, along with the creation and use of a spreadsheet. Students apply number sense in judging the accuracy of answers. Students will be required to conduct research and planning using the Internet, utilize spreadsheets and participate in community-based experiences.
PREREQUISITE: Geometry or placement by department recommendation
DLS Science
Biology 163 (TDT12300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional laboratory course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and insight into life science. Topics range from ecology and cells to heredity and body systems. Connections are made between the course content and students’ everyday experiences. Additional focus includes problem solving, research and questioning skills.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
DLS Chemistry TDT22300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students knowledge of problem-solving skills, laboratory techniques, and broad chemical concepts. Topics include the study of matter and its changes, molecular and ionic compounds, stoichiometry, gasses, atomic theory, thermochemistry, solutions, and acids/bases.
DLS Social Studies and Electives
Civics (TDS20100S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in democratic society. Students will study government institutions at the national, state, and local levels, discuss current and controversial issues, participate in simulations of the democratic process, and translate their learning into civic action in a culminating activity. Students will also study the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions and pass required exams. This course satisfies the Illinois state graduation requirement for civic education.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
United States History 163 (TDU12300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This is an instructional survey course that focuses on the major events and personalities in the history of the United States. It is designed to improve reading, listening, and note-taking, as well as analysis and synthesis skills. Satisfactory completion of the Constitution test and course expectations fulfill both the requirement established by the State of Illinois and graduation requirement at GBS.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
World History 163 (TDS12300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on the historical development of world civilizations with an emphasis on European civilization. Students are presented with methods to further improve study skills and interpret information. Skills emphasized include examining historical events, analytical and inferential reading, writing for a purpose and vocabulary/grammar development.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
DLS Electives
Consumer Education 163 (TDC16300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course offers basic survival skills to assist students toward adult independence. Areas covered include banking, loans, automobile purchase, insurance, taxes, credit and housing.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Health 163 (TDH12300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on teaching students the decision-making skills needed to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. This course involves the study of health and wellness related to: first aid and safety education, prevention of lifestyle diseases, healthy weight and nutrition, mental, emotional and social health, sexuality education, and alcohol/drug use and abuse.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Independent Living 163 (TD , 263 (TD
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to help students learn how to live as independently as possible in the community after high school. Students learn the skills necessary for successful independent living in the future. The areas addressed include goal-setting, self-determination, meal planning, internet safety, communication and maintaining personal relationships, transportation training, household management, and recreation and leisure. Students enrolled in this course also have the opportunity to experience community-based instruction to support classroom learning.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Work Study: Class on the Job 163, 263, 363, 463 (TDV16300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
The focus of this instructional class is on career exploration and job readiness skills. Students explore a range of vocational opportunities and assess their own interests and skills. Classroom vocation skills are then applied to school-based or community job sites. Frequent community based instruction supports classroom learning. Staff may assist students in finding and maintaining a vocational experience or job.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Transitions for Life
Grade:11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
The focus of this instructional class is on exploration of post-secondary options, including education, vocational skills and independent living. Transitions for Life will involve community service, job shadowing, and community based instruction providing hands-on experience in order to promote generalization of skills in the community setting. The course offers additional direct instruction in accessing adult service agencies and local service providers (e.g. medical providers, financial institutions, post-secondary educational environments). Recommended for seniors.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Work Study:On The Job
Grade:11, 12 Length: Semester or Full Year Credit: 0 GPA:N/A
Work Study provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom vocational skills to a school-based job site or competitive community employment situation. Recommended for students who need support building job skills. A job coach is available to assist students in finding and maintaining a job. Student job skills will be evaluated by staff and employer, as well as student self-evaluations.
PREREQUISITE: Recommendation of staff.
ARCH Courses:
English 163 (TAE16300S), 263 (TAE26300S), 363 (TAE36300S), 463 (TAE46300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course follows the curriculum, content and objectives established by the state standards. Reading, writing, and communication skills build the foundation of each course. Varied learning styles and individual needs are taken into account and an active, hands-on approach to learning is utilized.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Algebra 163 TAM15300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to develop student’s knowledge of algebraic concepts and skills. Topics may include operations with integers, simplifying expressions, factoring, solving single and multi-step equations, absolute value, and inequalities. Emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and applications. Students follow an individualized curriculum with content and objectives based upon appropriate state standards. This sequence of courses is designed to prepare students for higher level math courses and to fulfill high school graduation requirements for Mathematics.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Geometry 163 TAM16300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to develop student’s knowledge of geometric concepts and skills. Topics study may include: review of algebra skills, properties of lines, points, planes, angles, and polygons, along with basic proofs and theorems. Emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and applications. Students follow an individualized curriculum with content and objectives based upon appropriate state standards.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra or placement by department recommendation
Algebra II TAM28300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This course addresses modeling, including extensive work with linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, and sinusoidal functions. Equations, inequalities, and systems are addressed. Students learn right triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course also covers principles of probability.
ARCH Science
Biology 163 TAS16300S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional laboratory course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and insight into life science. Topics range from ecology and cells to heredity and body systems. Connections are made between the course content and students’ everyday experiences. Additional focus includes problem solving, research and questioning skills.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Chemistry 163 (TAS26300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to provide students knowledge of problem-solving skills, laboratory techniques, and broad chemical concepts. Topics include the study of matter and its changes, molecular and ionic compounds, stoichiometry, gasses, atomic theory, thermochemistry, solutions, and acids/bases. Additional focus includes mathematical skills and problem-solving techniques.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
DLS Social Studies and Electives
Civics (TAT20100S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length: One Semester Credit: 0.5 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in democratic society. Students will study government institutions at the national, state, and local levels, discuss current and controversial issues, participate in simulations of the democratic process, and translate their learning into civic action in a culminating activity. Students will also study the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions and pass required exams. This course satisfies the Illinois state graduation requirement for civic education.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Current Events 161TAT13100S
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length: One Semester Credit: 0.5 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional class focuses on understanding local, national and international events by utilizing newspapers, news magazines, computer networks and television news broadcasts. Discussion centers on identifying historical themes, using history as a predictor of future events, listening to diverse opinions and forming coherent personal opinions about news events and news figures. Course can be repeated.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
United States History 163 (TAU10300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This is an instructional survey course that focuses on the major events and personalities in the history of the United States. It is designed to improve reading, listening, and note-taking, as well as analysis and synthesis skills. Satisfactory completion of the Constitution test and course expectations fulfill both the requirement established by the State of Illinois and graduation requirement at GBS.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
World History 163 (TAT10300S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on the historical development of world civilizations with an emphasis on European civilization. Students are presented with methods to further improve study skills and interpret information. Skills emphasized include examining historical events, analytical and inferential reading, writing for a purpose and vocabulary/grammar development.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Career Survey 161 (TA
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length: One Semester Credit: 0.5 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional elective course focuses on self-exploration in the area of transition through instruction on decision-making and self-advocacy, as they relate to career choices and participation in society. Emphasis will be placed on self-analyzation and the formulation of personal goals as they relate to post-secondary educational and/or economic ambitions.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Consumer Education 161 (TAT20100S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length: One Semester Credit: 0.5 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course offers basic survival skills to assist students toward adult independence. Areas covered include banking, loans, automobile purchase, insurance, taxes, credit and housing.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Health 161 (TAH11100S)
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length: one semester Credit: 0.5 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course focuses on teaching students the decision-making skills needed to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. This course involves the study of health and wellness related to: first aid and safety education, prevention of lifestyle diseases, healthy weight and nutrition, mental, emotional and social health, sexuality education, and alcohol/drug use and abuse.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Additional Courses in Special Education:
Resource/Study Skills 163, 263, 363, 463
Grade:9, 10, 11, 12 Length:Full Year Credit: 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
In this instructional class, emphasis is placed on reviewing student goals and progress and providing time to access resources specific to individual student needs. Resource may be used for homework planning and completion, time-management and improving self-advocacy skills, while developing and maintaining executive functioning skills. P/F grade only: 0.5 credit.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Independent Study
Grade:11, 12 Length:Semester or Full Year Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 GPA:Academic & All Subject
This instructional course is designed to offer the opportunity for students to take or make up a variety of courses that they may have failed or have had difficulty in scheduling. Students work independently on coursework with instruction geared to their level and learning style. Students work on a contractual basis focusing on attendance, behavior and work production.
PREREQUISITE: placement by department recommendation
Program of Studies
DLS Math
|
Practical Math |
Essential Math |
Intermediate Math |
Algebra |
Geometry |
Algebra II |
Applied Math |
ARCH Math
|
Algebra |
Geometry |
Algebra II |
Reading
|
Reading Foundations |
Reading Fluency & Comprehension |
Reading Enrichment |
DLS English
|
Practical English |
English 1 |
English 2 |
English 3 |
English 4 |
ARCH English
|
English 1 |
English 2 |
English 3 |
English 4 |
DLS Science
|
Biology |
Chemistry |
ARCH Science
|
Biology |
Chemistry |
DLS Social Studies
|
World History |
US History |
Civics |
ARCH Social Studies
|
World History |
US History |
Civics |
Elective Offerings
- Consumer Education
- Drivers Education
- Work Study
- Transitions For Life
- Independent Living
- Independent Study
- Current Events
- Careers
Student Support
- Titan Learning Center
- Open 7:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (4:00 p.m. on Fridays)
- The Titan Learning Center (TLC) offers support in all subjects. For academic help, there are peer tutors and qualified adults available to assist students. Peer tutors are trained, vetted, and assigned according to the classes they are most qualified to tutor. Walk-ins are welcome.
- Text-A-Tip
- Student Services
- College Resource Center