Special Education

 Special Education is partially funded by the Federal government to support students with specific learning disabilities. A specially trained and credentialed teacher, Mrs. Pat Ward (right), oversees Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) for students who need one-on-one or small group instruction in math, reading and/or writing skills. This teacher provides direct instruction as well as expert consultation services for staff and parents/guardians. 

Students are taught different strategies for learning  and  are provided   academic support through a program designed specifically for the particular student and adapted to meet their own learning style and needs. A student may receive assistance in his/her regular classroom or be helped in a small group setting with a Specialist in the RSP classroom.

Mrs. Ward provides her students with the skills needed for future success both in the classroom and in everyday life.

Rights of Special Needs Students and their Parents: Children between the ages of 3 and 21 with special physical or academic needs are entitled to a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Parents of children  with special needs are entitled to receive a full explanation of procedural safeguards and description of any proposed action regarding their children and the basis of such action. They are also entitled to give voluntary consent for educational assessment and placement and to participate in the annual instructional planning meeting for their children. Services provided through Special Education may include speech and language therapy, academic support in the regular education classroom, or placement in a “Special Day Class.”

School Psychologist: The school psychologist provides specialized evaluation and diagnostic services for students identified as eligible through the Student Study Team (SST) process and/or who have an IEP.

Speech Therapist: A specially trained therapist meets with identified students individually or in small group settings to assist them with speech.