Mokena School District 159 is excited to implement new and strengthened opportunities for our advanced learners at the start of the 2025-2026 school year! This webpage contains this updated information.

In addition, parent informational meetings on the updates were held on April 29, 2025. A recording of this presentation can be viewed by clicking this link.

Mokena School District 159 uses the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework as the basis for the district’s programming for advanced learners.  In a traditional MTSS model, interventions are utilized for students needing additional support to reach grade level standards.  In a more modern approach to MTSS, a school district also provides targeted instruction to students showing advanced learning needs.

These tiers of instruction are intentionally crafted to provide students with rigor and challenge throughout their time in Mokena SD 159 as well as prepare students for advanced courses at the high school level. Each tier is designed around the academic and social-emotional development of our students as they move from grade level to grade level .

To learn more about each tier of instruction as well as identification and placement procedures, please reference the district's Advanced Learners Program Informational Guide.

The development of Mokena SD 159's Advanced Learners Program was constructed through a district task force and is guided by a partnership with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, academic research, and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Gifted Programming Standards.

Applicable Board of Education Policies:

• Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Policy 6:130 (Program for the Gifted)

• Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Policy 6:135 (Accelerated Placement Program)