Resource Room Program
A Resource (room) program is a special education program for a student with a disability who has been placed in either a special class, or general education class, and who is in need of supplementary instruction to meet the needs of those classes. Resource at the JHS, is generally provided in a small group setting, for a portion of the school day. Typically, students will receive one period of resource, per day. Resource room programs are for the purpose of supplementing the general education or special education classroom. This means that instruction is not provided in place of the student's regular academic instruction, but as a way to support it.
The composition of instructional groups in a resource room program, is based on the similarity of the individual needs of the students considering their levels of educational achievement, as well as their learning characteristics. In the JHS, resource is usually grade specific.
Resource teachers may reinforce, or reteach, aspects of the general education curriculum, or teach skills that are applicable to those classes, to help students be successful. Goals that are identified on a students IEP, may also be specifically addressed in a resource classroom.
Resource teachers will often work in close collaboration with the general education teachers, to ascertain areas of weakness ( and success) for their students, so that the time in resource is well spent. Student and parent input is sought and considered, as well.