Special Education Programs
The Special Education Department provides a comprehensive program of services for students with special needs. Options range from prescriptive specialized academic support to substantially separate programs. The process for determining eligibility for Special Education services is outlined in the general laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 71B. Eligibility is based on the following: (1) evidence of one or more disabilities, (2) student is not making effective progress in school and that lack of progress is a result of the student’s disability and the student requires specially designed instruction in order to make effective progress in school or requires related services in order to access the general curriculum. If the student is found eligible for services, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be developed by a special education team; the program includes student-centered goals, which are delivered in a variety of models. The following are examples of models used for delivering programs and services:
in-class support / consultation;
academic support and instruction in regular education settings, often known as inclusion programs;
academic support for regular education subjects within special education settings;
direct instruction in skill areas within special education settings; and
academic instruction in specific content areas.
Summer School
The Amherst Regional Schools sponsor a summer school program each year that provides opportunities for remediation in core subject areas and for enrichment in a variety of programs and disciplines. The summer school catalog is published in the spring of each year. Students and parents/guardians should consult with specific teachers and/or school counselors for more information. Scholarships may be available. Students who fail one or more core academic subjects are strongly encouraged to enroll in a summer school program.
Summer school courses in English/language arts and mathematics are specifically designed to build critical skills and help students gain the essential content knowledge needed to succeed at ARHS and to pass MCAS. Some students may be required to pass approved summer school classes in order to stay on grade level at ARHS.