Standard 2.9 School-wide Processes for Specialized Learning
Standard 2.9: The institution implements processes to identify and address the specialized needs of learners.
Power Hour
At PHS we have dedicated time for student intervention into our weekly/monthly plan in what we call "Power Hour." When viewing the Power Hour schedule, look at the days that are designated as "Student Service" days. This Power Hour time was implemented as part of our COVID-19 response, and we hope that it will remain a feature in our school.
To view the Power Hour schedule, click HERE, or click the image.
Special Education & 504's
Special education teachers communicate with regular education teachers about the students who qualify for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). IEP summaries are sent out to teachers each semester for students in their classes. The IEP summaries include information about specific accommodations the students need to be successful. Teachers are also regularly invited to participate in IEP meetings.
PHS offers inclusion or co-taught classes for special education students whose least restrictive environment is a mainstreamed classroom with additional special education support. This option is described in more detail under Standard 2.7.
Our teachers and staff will make accommodations for students who qualify for extra help under section 504 of the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students receive extra help due to physical and mental limitations that don't otherwise qualify the students for special education services. Administrators communicate with students and parents about the 504 accommodations and notify teachers about how they can best meet the individual needs of their students.
Youth Support Team
At Payson High School we serve all students. We use the Youth Support (Tier Two Intervention) Team to identify students that need accommodations/interventions to be successful in school. This team is made up of the school administration, counselors, student advocates (trackers), special education secretary, and the school social worker. Individual names are brought to the committee to find individualized solutions to assist students to find success. Teachers submit names of students they are concerned about for discussion during the Youth Support meeting.
Youth Support Overview, Norms, and Agendas.pdf