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TRANSITION SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

 

The Transition Special Education Services provides educational interventions and services for students who have previously received similar services through Journey’s Lutheran School (formerly Lutheran Special School), a parochial resource room, or a public school Individual Education Plan (IEP).  The program provides assistance, as available, for students with a diagnosed disability or impairment affecting his or her ability to function independently within the school environment. We offer a spectrum of services which include a modified core curriculum, resource study hall, reasonable classroom accommodations, and post-secondary planning. Students receive support and instruction that promotes self-advocacy, problem-solving, the development of compensatory skills, and classroom success. Students wishing to enroll in the Transition Special Education Services must provide current and past assessments indicating evidence of a disability or impairment, and a review of all educational records. A family interview with program staff may also be required. Admission to the program is limited.

These services may include:

    • Supported study hall/tutoring
    • Specific study strategy instruction
    • Self-contained/alternative course work
    • Classroom & testing accommodations or modifications
    • Counseling and career investigation 
Transition Department Staff:
  • Linda Koebert – Program Chair/Academic Advisor
  • Katie Meinzen – Resource and Classroom Teacher
  • Maynard Saugstad – Resource and Classroom Teacher
  • John Ellenberger - Resource and Classroom Teacher

 

Program Philosophy

The Transition Department at Milwaukee Lutheran High School is committed to providing Christ-centered, individualized academic and spiritual support to students with mild to moderate disabilities. Our goal is to enable each student to utilize their potential so that they may grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally; successfully transitioning through high school to adulthood as well-adjusted, productive members of their faith community and society as a whole.

Our teachers and staff embrace an inclusive philosophy, which means that every effort is made to include students with disabilities in every aspect of our MLHS curriculum and activities. Operating under this philosophy, we strive to provide a continuum of services through a variety of methods, strategies, and community resources to meet the individual needs of students so that they can grow in their faith and achieve academic success.  

 

Department Standards

Students who participate in Transition Department courses and programs will:

  1. Deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
  2. Access and utilize reasonable, individualized, appropriate classroom accommodations.
  3. Meet or exceed minimal content standards and requirements for graduation, earning a MLHS diploma.
  4. Develop self-advocacy skills utilizing their unique gifts and academic abilities to craft success in the classroom, the world of work, their interpersonal relationships, and in the community.
  5. Acquire verbal and quantitative skills appropriate to their career and independent living goals.
  6. Explore the history, ethics and beliefs of their community and other cultures.
  7. Understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
  8. Use scientific information and skills to understand God's creation and make decisions about themselves and the world in which they live.
  9. Understand how to integrate basic economic principles and financial skills into their current and future lives.
  10. Develop a plan for accessing and acquiring post-secondary job skills, career training and independent living.

 

MLHS Transition Services Overview: 

The Transition Special Education Services at Milwaukee Lutheran provides assistance as available for students with a diagnosed disability or impairment that affects his or her ability to function independently within the school environment. The program offers a spectrum of services which includes a modified core curriculum through self-contained classes, resource study hall, reasonable classroom accommodations, and post-secondary planning. Students receive academic support and instruction that promotes self-advocacy, problem-solving, the development of compensatory skills, and classroom success.

 Students wishing to enroll in the Transition Program must provide current and past assessments indicating evidence of a disability or impairment, and a review of all educational records. A family interview with program staff may also be required. Admission to the program is limited.

Self-contained Classes:

These alternative classes in the core subject areas are designed for students who have demonstrated a need for a modified curriculum. The texts and materials used for these classes are easier to read and are geared toward preparing students for the work world. Classes designated as Transition apply to graduation credits and are appropriate for students intending to enter work or a 2 year post-secondary program after graduation.

Resource Study Hall:

The Study Center provides homework assistance to students during their regularly scheduled study hall period. Textbooks, reference materials, computers, and a support teacher as well as Title one support are available to assist students with their classroom learning. The classroom has access to the building wi-fi and printers.

Regular Classroom Accommodations:

Students with physical or learning disabilities may receive accommodations that allow them a greater chance of success. These are arranged through the academic advisor in conjunction with the regular classroom teacher, support teacher, student and parents. While MLHS does not create yearly IEP’s, individualized accommodation plans are created to inform teachers of a student’s classroom needs.

Academic Advisor/Counselor:

A counselor, experienced in guiding persons with disabilities, is available to help students navigate the emotional and academic challenges of high school and prepare for post-secondary opportunities.

Department Registration:

Students with known physical or academic disabilities who plan to attend MLHS should share their needs with the Transition Department or Director of Admissions at the time of application so that interventions can be put into place before registration begins in February. The application process can take several months and includes a placement exam, so it is vital that families begin the process as early as possible (usually October). In order to make appropriate placement and programming decisions that meet the student’s needs, academic records and diagnostic testing results are required at the time of application.

 

Click here for the Transition Service's Course Offerings

STUDY CENTER

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, THE STUDY CENTER IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

 

The Study Center is open both before and after school for quiet student work and homework-related computer use. Students are supervised by an assigned staff member.

Students coming before school may enter at or after 7:00 am at the Main Office entrance.

Students after school must sign-in by 3:20 pm (unless receiving a written pass from a teacher). Students may leave as their rides arrive, but no later than 5:00 pm.

koebert_linda
Mrs. Linda Koebert, Intervention Coordinator, Transitional Education
LKoebert@MilwaukeeLutheran.org | 414.461.6000 ext 241