Lake Park provides instruction within the general education setting for students with disabilities. Students in special education may be placed in a general education classroom. General education teachers are provided a copy of the accommodations from each student’s IEP.  The general education teacher is responsible for adapting the content, methodology, and/or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs that result from the student's disability. By providing these accommodations, the student is ensured equal access to the general education curriculum.

Co-Teaching Classes
At Lake Park High School, Co-Teaching is a level of educational service in which a certified content area specialist is paired with a certified special education teacher to provide direct instruction to general education students and students who require special education services. Students in the co-taught classroom who have Individualized Education Plans (IEP) receive accommodations and modifications specific to the core content areas. The regular education environment serves as the least restrictive environment for these identified special education students, allowing equal access to the curriculum and the general education setting. Both the special education and general education teachers collaborate to plan lessons, deliver instruction, assess and monitor student learning, and design and implement interventions. Lake Park teachers utilize a variety of co-taught instructional delivery models, resources, and assessment approaches to design learning activities that meet the needs of all students. Content may be differentiated through learning modalities to accommodate visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and linguistic learning styles.

Cross Categorical Classes
At Lake Park High School, if a student’s needs cannot be met in the general education setting, the IEP team may recommend a self-contained classroom led by a certified special education teacher. Students in the self-contained, cross-categorical setting have Individualized Education Plans (IEP) to receive accommodations and modifications specific to the core content areas. The self-contained environment serves as the least restrictive environment for identified special education students. The general education curriculum is significantly modified, both within the content design and delivery of instruction.  Modifications may include: slower instructional pacing, adjusted reading levels, reworded assessments, alternative assignments and projects, etc. Instructional teaching assistants may be assigned to classes based on the number of students within a classroom to assist with modifications and accommodations.  

Special education teachers utilize a variety of instructional delivery models, resources, and assessment approaches to design learning activities to meet a wide range of learning abilities. Content may be differentiated through learning modalities to accommodate visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and linguistic learning styles in addition to supporting social and emotional needs.

The Pathways Program provides services for students with mild/moderate Intellectual Disabilities, students with Autism, and students with Other Health Impairments.  Students eligible for the Pathways Program have demonstrated the need for a highly structured class setting with a primary focus on functional skill development. The Pathways Program provides group and direct instruction to students with a focus on functional academics, community-based instruction, daily living skills, and vocational skill development.  Students enrolled in the Pathways Program earn credits towards a Lake Park diploma. The Pathways Program is available at West Campus for grades 9-12.  

The Pathways Program lays the foundation for students to develop skills necessary to achieve their individual goals as they transition into adult life. Students in the Pathways Program are encouraged to enroll in the Lake Park Transition Assistance Program (TAP) after they have met their graduation requirements to further develop adult life and vocational skills. 

The goal of the Choices Program is not only to educate students in the area of academics, but also to help them grow socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Students who are placed in the Choices Program require skill development in many of the following areas: social awareness, self-advocacy, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, self-management, and emotional regulation. Students are taught a variety of strategies to strengthen self-discipline, self-motivation, and overall attitude. The underlying objective of this program is to provide every student the opportunity to learn from their choices through direct teacher/case-management guidance, behavior intervention, coaching, active problem solving, and goal setting. The social worker and psychologist play a critical role in collaborating with the classroom teachers and instructional assistants to support students in reaching their goals, growing as individuals, and preparing for post-secondary success. Lake Park has a Choices Program at both campuses.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a program for high school graduates with disabilities who need more instruction in vocational and functional life skills. Students in the program participate in transition activities and vocational tasks, both within the classroom and in the community, to prepare them for adult life.

The program aims to help students achieve the highest level of independence possible by teaching them the necessary skills for a successful transition. Related services like speech therapy and social work are also integrated into the program to support skill development. Students can receive services through TAP until the school year of their 22nd birthday.

North DuPage Special Education Cooperative (NDSEC) is a cooperative agreement of nine public school districts, seven elementary and two high school districts within DuPage County, that serve a total student population in excess of 15,000 students. NDSEC provides a complete range of services to students with special needs between the ages of three and 22 years.

NDSEC assists its nine member districts with the provision of special education instructional and related services.