Middle School Increases Interventions  for Students with Complex Needs

Post date: Jun 14, 2013 7:34:37 PM

Miguel Juarez Middle School in Waukegan SD 60 has improved systems for identification and support of youth with complex social/emotional needs.  Currently, six 8th graders and one 6th grader are supported through the person-centered RENEW planning process.  Five of the seven youth have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  Frequent team meetings with active use of data have resulted in a reduction of out of school suspensions (OSS) for five of the seven youth, and a 22% decrease in OSS overall for the group.  Using the wraparound-based RENEW process, the school was able to maintain the least restrictive environment for six of the seven youth.  RENEW plans and teams will now follow 8th grade youth to high school to continue action planning around graduation and employment goals.