Curriculum
The District 68 curriculum addresses state standards for learning and is guided by best-practice research. Each area of the curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate from kindergarten through grade 8. Kindergarten through fifth grade includes instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education and health, art, music, library and technology skills and social skills studies. Sixth through eighth grade curriculum continues instruction from the elementary grades along with technology, art, drama, foreign language, family and consumer science, keyboarding, general music, and instrumental music (also offered to fourth and fifth graders). Parents may object to their child's participation in health classes on sex education and certain other topics by contacting the building principal in writing. Before and after school activities are offered throughout the school year as well.
Entering Kindergarten
Children who are five years old by September 1 are eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the school year. Contact your area elementary school for information on kindergarten registration.
Gifted & Talented
The Gifted & Talented program provides additional challenges to identified students in grades 3 - 8. In addition to working with small groups of students, full-time gifted education teachers at each school also develop whole-class enrichment units with classroom teachers and design independent study projects for qualified students.
English Language Learners (ELL)
English language proficiency is the goal of ELL instruction, bringing students to full participation in the regular classroom as quickly as possible. District 68 provides ELL and/or bilingual instruction which stresses real language in a nurturing, stimulating atmosphere. A full-day ELL kindergarten class is provided for eligible students.
An ELL Parent Center provides resources to assist parents in learning English, understanding the public school system, and becoming familiar with family resources within Niles Township.
Special Education Services
Children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate education. District 68 provides an extensive continuum of services for children with special needs in cooperation with the Niles Township District for Special Education #807. Children can be eligible for special education services beginning at age three. The district provides free developmental screenings for preschool aged children that may demonstrate delays in speech, language and learning. If you have questions about developmental screenings or special education services, contact your building principal or Jac McBride, Director of Special Services, at 847-677-4560 for information.
Highly Qualified Teachers
Under the federal requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation, District 68 faculty and paraprofessionals meet all standards for being Highly Qualified.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Response to Intervention, or RtI, is a federal and state law which directs schools to provide researched-based academic and/or behavioral interventions for any child who has need of extra support within the general education setting. Support is provided in three levels, or tiers, by increasing the frequency and/or intensity of intervention. Parents may be involved in RtI by communicating frequently with their child's teacher, asking to see assessment results, attending school functions, monitoring and assisting with homework, and meeting with their child's teacher if difficulties with learning and/or behavior occur.
Tier I: All students
All students receive instruction in core curriculum. Classroom teachers provide interventions to students within the general education setting as soon as a problem is identified through assessment and analysis of student achievement data.
Tier II: Small groups of students
Students receive additional academic and/or behavioral interventions in small groups in addition to the general curriculum and teachers monitor progress frequently.
Tier III: Individual or small groups of students
Students receive intensive individual and/or small group interventions in order to be successful and may require evaluation for special education.
Entering Kindergarten
Children who are five years old by September 1 are eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the school year. Contact your area elementary school for information on kindergarten registration.
Gifted & Talented
The Gifted & Talented program provides additional challenges to identified students in grades 3 - 8. In addition to working with small groups of students, full-time gifted education teachers at each school also develop whole-class enrichment units with classroom teachers and design independent study projects for qualified students.
English Language Learners (ELL)
English language proficiency is the goal of ELL instruction, bringing students to full participation in the regular classroom as quickly as possible. District 68 provides ELL and/or bilingual instruction which stresses real language in a nurturing, stimulating atmosphere. A full-day ELL kindergarten class is provided for eligible students.
An ELL Parent Center provides resources to assist parents in learning English, understanding the public school system, and becoming familiar with family resources within Niles Township.
Special Education Services
Children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate education. District 68 provides an extensive continuum of services for children with special needs in cooperation with the Niles Township District for Special Education #807. Children can be eligible for special education services beginning at age three. The district provides free developmental screenings for preschool aged children that may demonstrate delays in speech, language and learning. If you have questions about developmental screenings or special education services, contact your building principal or Jac McBride, Director of Special Services, at 847-677-4560 for information.
Highly Qualified Teachers
Under the federal requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation, District 68 faculty and paraprofessionals meet all standards for being Highly Qualified.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Response to Intervention, or RtI, is a federal and state law which directs schools to provide researched-based academic and/or behavioral interventions for any child who has need of extra support within the general education setting. Support is provided in three levels, or tiers, by increasing the frequency and/or intensity of intervention. Parents may be involved in RtI by communicating frequently with their child's teacher, asking to see assessment results, attending school functions, monitoring and assisting with homework, and meeting with their child's teacher if difficulties with learning and/or behavior occur.
Tier I: All students
All students receive instruction in core curriculum. Classroom teachers provide interventions to students within the general education setting as soon as a problem is identified through assessment and analysis of student achievement data.
Tier II: Small groups of students
Students receive additional academic and/or behavioral interventions in small groups in addition to the general curriculum and teachers monitor progress frequently.
Tier III: Individual or small groups of students
Students receive intensive individual and/or small group interventions in order to be successful and may require evaluation for special education.
