Special Education
The Glenbrooks nurture a student-centered community with engaging, authentic learning experiences that empower individuals to grow, develop their voice, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Glenbrooks nurture a student-centered community with engaging, authentic learning experiences that empower individuals to grow, develop their voice, and contribute meaningfully to society.
In the Glenbrooks, special education is a service, not a place or program. The Special Education Department ensures that all students are integral members of the school community, academically and socially. Through a fluid continuum of supports and services, students access general and special education course offerings tailored to meet their individual strengths, needs, and interests. Our mission is to prepare all students with the educational, vocational, and independent living skills to transition from school to their post-secondary path and to empower their voice in the process of developing that path.
Department Administrators:
- Glenbrook North High School: Ms. Kathy French, Instructional Supervisor of Special Education
- Glenbrook South High School: Ms. Bridget Bucklin, Instructional Supervisor of Special Education
- Glenbrook Off-Campus: Mr. Doug Schiller, Assistant Director
- Glenbrook Transition Services: Ms. Stacey Wolfe, Assistant Director
Areas of Focus
College and Career Readiness and Career Readiness
Transition planning begins as students articulate to high school. We work collaboratively with students and families to develop post-secondary vision, plans, activities, and course of study to prepare students of all abilities for post-secondary success.
Person-First Planning
Students are strongly encouraged to take an active role in their IEP meetings, course of study, and career pathways. We focus on students' strengths and interests, and developing their self-advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, empowering students to take charge of their learning and navigate their educational journey with resilience and increased independence.
Individualized Services: Our department provides a variety of special education, related services, and/or supports within general education and special education classes, tailored to meet individual needs.
Inclusive Practices
We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to meaningful and diverse learning experiences, activities, and environments that are available to all students, including participation in the general education curriculum, nonacademic, and extracurricular activities.
Skill Development
A comprehensive plan is developed to address individual students' growth and development in areas, including but not limited to, reading, writing, math, communication, social/emotional/behavioral, self-advocacy, motor, and life skills. Our services support the whole child.
Real-World Relevance
We offer relevant, engaging, and authentic learning opportunities. We provide community-based instruction and vocational experiences that help students explore their strengths, interests, and potential career paths and practice technical and soft skills in real-world contexts.
Relationships
We build collaborative partnerships with students, families, staff, and community members through a culture of dignity, respect, open communication, and shared responsibility. Teams are strengthened by student voices and multiple perspectives. We foster a sense of belonging for all students no matter how or where they receive special education services.
Suicide Prevention
- Text-A-Tip: a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend. Students can text "GBS HELP" or "GBN HELP" and their message to 1-844-823-5323
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
- Safe2Help Illinois Helpline
Resources
- Board Procedure: Education of Students with Disabilities
- District 225 RTO Plan 2024-2027
- Homebound Medical Certification Form
- Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities
- Services For Students With Disabilities: Special Education and Section 504
- *Updated* Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities Regarding Related Service Logs