Special Education
The Owen J. Roberts School District is committed to providing appropriate services to all children of school age with special needs. Appropriate individual programs are provided in the least restrictive environment. Each of our schools has highly qualified Pennsylvania-certified special education teachers to meet the various needs of students with disabilities.
Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals serve a wide variety of roles in our buildings. They are here to support our students and staff and work under the guidance and supervision of teachers and administration. Please be aware that all communications should be made directly to your child’s teacher.
A multi-tiered system of support (MTSS)
MTSS is a comprehensive system of support that includes high-quality core instruction, universal screening, data-based decision-making, tiered services and supports, family engagement, central/building-level leadership, and professional learning. At its core, MTSS is designed to promote successful and sustainable core instructional practices through the regular collection and review of data on student performance and student growth over time. In addition, MTSS processes also allow educators to proactively respond to the needs of individual students through a recurring process of universal screening, implementation of evidence-based interventions, and regular monitoring of students’ response to intervention. Through these parallel processes, MTSS is intended to support the growth of all students.
How is MTSS different from RTI?
As described above, MTSS refers to a broad system that places heavy emphasis on high-quality core instruction as a primary means of supporting all students. By comparison, Response to Intervention (RTI) is a narrower component of the broader system. RTI refers specifically to the provision of evidence-based interventions for students “At risk.” The goal is for all students to respond to interventions matched to their specific needs - as demonstrated by growth in performance over the course of the intervention. For students who do not show sufficient growth over time, teams may need to consider whether an evaluation for special education services is warranted.
Contacts:
East Coventry: Mrs. Paula Jackson 610-469-5366
East Vincent: Mrs. Jean McMenamin 610-469-5257
French Creek: Mrs. Lynn Pahl 610-469-5178
North Coventry: Mrs. Rachel Lemuell 610-469-5183
West Vincent: Mrs. Jen Snow 610-469-1405
Title I and Supplemental Reading/ Math Programs
Owen J. Roberts School District annually receives federal funds to provide supplemental instruction. It is offered to those students whose achievement indicates the need for additional basic skills development in language arts and mathematics, as determined by multiple criteria. A variety of faculty and support staff work with identified students.
Mentally Gifted (Academically Talented Program – ATP)
A school district screening/identification procedure of students emphasizes using multiple criteria to determine eligibility for placement in the gifted program. Consequently, the screening process seeks input from multiple sources: teacher recommendation, group ability, achievement test scores, screening for creative talent, and parent/guardian recommendation. Students are referred for psychological examination after meeting specific screening criteria.