Learning Center:

The Learning Center is a service offered through the Special Education Department. The purpose for the LC is to streamline testing and accommodations procedures for IEP students and staff in order to insure accountability, test security and IEP compliance. The LC is available to students every hour of the day, five days a week. The Learning Center offers a mini-computer lab, books on tape, Kurzweil 3000 as well as a number of other accommodations available to students. IEP students may use the Learning Center to take tests, utilize extended time, get support with assignments and papers.

Course Descriptions:

LEARNING DISABILITY AND BEHAVIOR DISORDER PROGRAM
The learning disabilities (LD) and behavior disorders (BD) program offers instructional courses, an educational support class, and a learning center for students who receive special education services.

INSTRUCTIONAL COURSES
The instructional classes are taught by special education teachers. They provide required core curriculum courses as well as
electives that are aligned with the general education curriculum. Students are placed in instructional classes according to their
individual needs as determined by their IEP. Instructional course offerings are determined each year after completion of annual
review meetings. English, math, social science, health, speech, American Government, and consumer education instructional
courses are generally offered. Instructional classes receive one credit each semester.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT CLASS
The educational support program (ESP) is a class designed to teach students with IEPs strategies for successful learning. The
curriculum is taught in two-year rotation. Year one focuses on organization, time management, test taking, self-advocacy, and
goal setting skills. Year two will focus on reading, writing, math, technology, conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
Students may take the course for one or both years. Supervised assistance will also be given for homework assignments. This
course is highly recommended for freshmen students. ESP class does receive one elective credit per semester. 2007-2008 will be a second year rotation for the class.

THE LEARNING CENTER
The learning center is an accommodations room that is available each period for students who receive special education services. It is designed for students who are in general education classes who need assistance with tests and/or coursework during the time that the general education class is in meeting.

CROSS-CATEGORICAL PROGRAM
The cross-categorical program offers classes that assist students in meeting their individual educational goals. Coursework is
designed to teach functional life skills in relation to specific disciplines. Additional core curriculum courses are offered that match the general curriculum. These courses are designed to meet the individual education needs of each student. Case managers assign student schedules according to their individual needs as determined by the IEP.

CAREER AWARENESS
One semester, one credit
Recommended for sophomores who plan to be in the STEP work program.
This course provides an introduction into the world of work. Emphasis is placed on career awareness, how to find a job, how to keep a job, how to live on your own, and plan your future. This course is a prerequisite for participating in the STEP work program. The student must have a current IEP.

+ SECONDARY TRANSITION EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (STEP)
One credit for each hour of participation in a semester.
Prerequisite: Career Education and must be a junior or senior.
Students learn job entry skills and career training through classroom discussion and on-the-job training at approved work sites. Approval of Vocational Coordinator is required for enrollment. Fulfills consumer education requirement.

ASSIST PROGRAM
One semester: _ credit, P/F basis
Students will acquire and maintain functional skills in four domain areas. The programming emphasis within each of these
domains will be determined individually based on student needs. Communication, mobility, academic, and social behavior are
included as part of each domain.

COMMUNITY DOMAIN
Students take the Mass Transit District (MTD) to various community and recreational facilities. Primary skill areas include grocery shopping, restaurants, community leisure, and personal care shopping. Management of materials and money use are also taught.
DOMESTIC DOMAIN
The program offers a variety of hands-on experience in the area of self-help and household chores (e.g. grooming, meal preparation, and laundry).
LEISURE-RECREATION DOMAIN
Students will learn skills to engage in cooperative, group, and independent leisure.
VOCATIONAL DOMAIN
Students engage in work experiences in community businesses. The curriculum includes (but is not limited to) on-task skills, work quality, work rate, and materials management. Students are matched to job sites by individual attributes and interests.

Page Last Updated 10-17-07

Urbana High School
1002 S. Race Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Phone: 217-384-3505
Fax: 217-384-3532
Attendance: 384-3522