Lincoln Academy

   Lincoln Academy is the alternative school for NDSEC. The program at Lincoln Academy is designed primarily for junior high and high school students with emotional needs that cannot be successfully met within a tradtional school environment.

 

  Mission, Vision, and Values    

  Mission Statement

 

   Lincoln Academy is dedicated to encouraging all students to develop the necessary skills    to enable them to live independently, to the best of their ability, as active and contributing    members of society.

   Vision Statement

   Lincoln Academy will provide a positive, safe, and caring learning environment where    each student's individual social, emotional, and academic needs can be met through a    variety of services, programs, and community resources.

   Values

• Providing a safe learning environment
• Respecting each person's unique strengths and abilities
• Building positive relationships between staff, students, and parents
• Teaching, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate social behavior
• Collaborating to provide a variety of services, programs, and access to community resources
• Adapting the curriculum and learning environment to meet students' needs
• Preparing students for transition to higher education, career, and independent living

  Social Skills Development

   The program at Lincoln Academy helps students develop the social, emotional, and    behavioral skills they need in order to be successful in both school and community    environments.  These skills are taught and reinforced throughout the curriculum by    teaching specific skills through modeling, focusing on each student's individual strengths,    using a motivational point system, providing counseling services, and providing students    the opportunity to practice new skills in a safe and trusting environment.

   

  Academic Curriculum

   The academic curriculum at Lincoln Academy is aligned with State Standards and is    designed to meet district requirements for graduation.  Each morning, students participate    in core academic classes, including reading, written language, math, science, and social    studies.  In the afternoon, students are offered elective classes, such as art, music,    psychology, and lab science.  Students can also choose to participate in a vocational    program to learn specific job skills while earning academic credit.  Teaching methods    and materials are selected to meet the various achievement levels and learning styles of    students.  The curriculum is reinforced and supplemented using technology, field trips,    and service learning projects. 

 

 

   Vocational Services

   The Lincoln Academy Vocational Education Program is modeled after the
   Education-To-Careers national initiative designed to prepare all students for successful    careers and lifelong learning.  The scope of the program involves area employers,    educators, parents and students in a collaborative effort to assist students to face the    future.

 

   The Lincoln Academy Community Work Program combines academic studies with real    work experiences.  High school credits may be earned either during or after school    hours.  Job placement and coordinated support are provided on an individual basis.

 

   Counseling Services

   Individual and/or group counseling services are provided based on each student's    Individual Education Plan.  Students participate in weekly group sessions, led by a    counselor or social worker, to address specific social skills, such as solving problems,    resolving conflict, managing anger, and making good decisions.  The counseling team is    also available to work with students who may have a specific social or emotional need    during the school day.

 

   Additional Services

• Ongoing consultation and collaboration with home and school
• Participation in intra-mural sports league through the Western DuPage Special Education Association
• Monitoring of health and medical issues by certified school nurse
• Specific learning needs addressed by Educational Diagnostician