District 126 provides all students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  Parents/guardians of a student with disabilities and the student serve as team members with the public school staff in determining eligibility for and provisions of special education services.  Every identified student will be assigned a case manager to facilitate registration, monitor compliance with legal requirements, and provide assistance to students, teachers, and parents. 

The major goals of the District 126 Special Education Department are:

1.  To provide the specialized instruction and supports necessary for a student with identified special education needs in the least restrictive environment in which the student can succeed.

2.  To ensure, as much as possible, that each student is encouraged:
     a. to identify strengths and to minimize weaknesses,
     b. to accept a major portion of the responsibility for the quality of his/her life,
     c. to view oneself as a capable human being able to contribute to the home and school community, and 
     d. to actively engage in planning a post-high school career.

In order to achieve these goals, the District's Special Education Department offers a continuum of resources and instructional services for eligible students with disabilities in the categorical areas of: 

• Learning Disabilities
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Emotional Disturbances
• Autism
• Physical Disabilities
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Other Health Impairments
• Hearing and Vision Impairments (including deafness and deaf-blindness)
• Speech and Language disabilities

Students will be registered for general education classes unless the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specifies a more restrictive environment.  The goal is to meet the educational and/or emotional needs of students using the least restrictive environment appropriate to the individual child.  To offer a full continuum of special education options, District 126 works with the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL).  For additional information, contact the Special Education Department.   

Click here to be taken to the ZBTHS Course Guide, which contains details about our Special Education courses.