Special Education Department
Special Education Continuum of Services
The academic programs of service outlined below, provide access to an education and environment that appropriately meet the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education students of the North Colonie Central School District. All program decisions are recommended by the Committee on Special Education (CSE).
Consultant Teacher (CT) Services
Indirect CT - Consultation provided by a certified special education teacher to the general education teacher to assist the general education teacher in adjusting the learning environment and/or modifying his/her instructional methods to meet the needs of a student with a disability who attends the general education class.
Direct CT - Students in the consultant teacher classroom receive instruction in a general education classroom with a content certified general education teacher and a certified special education teacher. The consultant teacher assists with planning, instructional strategies, and the provision of IEP services.
Resource Room
Resource room offers special education services with specialized supplemental instruction in a small group setting for a portion of the school day. Supplemental instruction is provided in addition to the general education instruction that the student receives. It is not provided in place of the student’s regular instruction. Resource room composition and grade level combinations will vary based on student needs. Students receive the majority of their instruction in the regular education setting.
Special Class: 15:1 / 8:1:2
Students receive their core academic instruction within a special class setting (outside of the general education classroom) where targeted, Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is delivered at a modified pace and designed to meet the needs of students in a class with a smaller student to teacher ratio. Instruction should be intensive and individualized based on the student’s needs while also aligning with NYS Regents curriculum.
Special Class: Life Skills Development Classroom 12:1:2 / 12:1+(3:1)
These programs are designed for students who are sometimes eligible for the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) and are pursuing a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) or a Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS). The varying learner characteristics for students in these programs are supported through a myriad of resources, interventions and growth empowerment strategies.
Student engagement and performance is centered on individualized growth and development is targeted to enhance existing strengths.