
Lincoln County School District has completed a significant remodel and expansion of
the Special Education classrooms at Taft 7-12, enhancing the school's ability to serve students with diverse learning needs. Three newly renovated spaces include an updated classroom for students in grades 7-12 (and some transition-age students) and a large room with four distinct sections dedicated to curriculum, transitional education, focused reading groups, and specialized support for students with behavioral, medical, and intellectual needs.
The renovation also features a simulated home and workplace environment for the PACE transitional program, equipped with a kitchen and laundry room for teaching essential skills like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and job preparation. Each student follows an ndividualized Educational Plan (IEP) while having the flexibility to participate across different learning groups. "The larger, renovated SPED classroom gives the students more freedom. They feel more in control of their environment rather than being controlled" said Special Education teacher Liz Francis said "It allowed for multiple activities to be happening simultaneously and not feel overly crowded or loud."
The expansion particularly benefits the district's transition program for special education students aged 18-21. "Two years ago, LCSD was thrilled to be able to expand our transition program to meet the needs of the growing north area population," explained Dr. Carol Stock, Director of Special Education." Previously, all transition-aged students attended our ECEL program located at Newport High." Dr. Stock recently observed students applying their new skills in the PACE space. "Students were choosing a recipe for chicken wings, assembling the ingredients, preparing the wings, using an air fryer to cook them, and
serving them to each other and their teachers." Stock said.
Principal Nick Lupo sees the expansion as a significant step forward for the school community. "We appreciate how much this new space has allowed us to work with individual students. he said. "It's transforming how we serve our students' educational needs right here at Taft."

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