Special Education » Overview

Overview

Our educators utilize cutting-edge strategies grounded in the science of reading to empower students with effective literacy skills. Through multi-sensory approaches, assistive technologies, and differentiated instruction, we create an environment where students can excel in language arts, ensuring a strong foundation for their academic journey.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from an array of services, including speech and language support, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision and hearing services, and social work. These comprehensive services aim to provide wrap-around support, ensuring the success of each child. Individualized instruction, based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP), is facilitated through teacher-modified curriculum aligned with general education standards.
McPherson IB World School hosts a well-established and student-centered low incident cluster classroom program, making it a prominent institution in the city of Chicago. This program caters to children with diverse disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and cerebral palsy. The school features four low incident classrooms, distributed across primary, intermediate, and upper grade levels, each accommodating 13 students. The district places children in these classrooms, supplemented by two program paraprofessionals per class, with additional support for those requiring dedicated assistance.
 
Furthermore, students actively engage with their general education peers whenever possible. They participate in various activities such as gym, music, Spanish, design, as well as field trips and assemblies, fostering interaction with same-age peers. Some students even take part in the annual musical and various after-school programs, creating an inclusive and enriching educational environment.
The multi-sensory cluster classroom serves as an educational environment specially designed for students identified as benefitting from a meticulously structured approach to reading and language arts. Tailored to meet the unique needs of individual learners, this program is led by exceptionally trained teachers who employ specialized methods and techniques rooted in the latest insights from the science of reading. 

Through a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, students in this setting engage in a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, fostering not only literacy skills but also a deeper understanding and appreciation for language arts. The commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that each student receives targeted support, promoting academic success and a positive attitude towards learning.