District 107 utilizes a co-teaching model for instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade through at least one co-teaching team at each grade level at Pleasantdale Elementary School and in at least one co-teaching pair in  ELA and Math at each grade level at Pleasantdale Middle School. Co-teaching is an instructional approach that involves placing two certified teachers in the same classroom who work together through the entire teaching process. These two teachers share the responsibilities of planning, teaching, and assessing progress throughout the school year for the students they teach. In a co-taught classroom, the general education and special education teacher in the co-teaching pair collaborate to make sure that all students’ needs are met. While some students are placed in the co-teaching classroom so that their individual needs are met by the special educator, the remaining students are placed in the class following the same placement process used in the other classrooms. 

At both schools, our co-teachers plan, provide instruction, and assess student learning together on a regular basis.  They have been trained on the six models of co-teaching, which you can learn more about on the website Co-Teaching Connection.  Each co-teaching pair employs these approaches at different times throughout the year depending on the activities and student needs in the class.  The co-teachers will often take turns with various teaching roles so that the students understand that both teachers have equal responsibility, authority, and expertise.  And, most importantly, a co-taught classroom is a typical grade level classroom with the same academic rigor as non co-taught classrooms.

Resource is a class that some students with IEPs have in their schedule and the decision for a student to participate in a resource class is made by the IEP team. Resource class provides students with an opportunity to receive additional instruction and support from their special education teacher or related service providers. Depending on the needs of the students in a resource classroom,  time is spent:

• Receiving instruction in goal areas
• Receiving instruction in executive functioning (breaking down longer projects, organizing materials, prioritizing how to use  time, etc.)
• Receiving support on a particular assignment or skill from the general education classrooms
• Review concepts and skills taught in the general education classrooms
• Completing assessments or assignments
• Completing progress monitoring with the case manager
• Instruction in SEL (recognizing and managing emotions, demonstrating caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations)
• Begin exploring post-secondary options (8th grade)

In addition to co-teachers, both buildings in District 107 have an Extended Resource teacher.  If a student requires direct and intensive instruction, our Extended Resource teachers are able to provide this individually or in small groups utilizing specialized curricular resources.

• District 107 offers a blended pre-school program called Bright Beginnings. Bright Beginnings classrooms are for students aged 3-5 and have up to 15 students, with 5 spots reserved for students identified as eligible for special education services. Each Bright Beginnings classroom has a classroom teacher and paraprofessional supporting students daily as well as weekly support from a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and physical therapist.
• Walk In Speech & Language services are available for students aged 3-5 identified as having a speech and language impairment. The frequency and duration of the services are determined by the IEP team. 
• Additional options for special education services and placements are available in partnership with LADSE including Phono, CD, and Early Childhood Special Education.