Special Ed

FAQ

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an individualized education program. It is a document that outlines specific goals, accommodations/modifications and programs for students who receive special education. Every student who is eligible for special education services receives an IEP.

What does special education look like at PVHS?

Students with a disability may require specialized education services in addition to accommodations and modifications.  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes a variety of protections for students who are deemed eligible to receive special education services.   There are 13 disability classifications under IDEA, each with its own set of eligibility criteria.  If a student meets special education criteria, there is a continuum of special education services available.  Students are entitled to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible.  In-district special education services are described below, from least restrictive to most restrictive:

• Special Class 15:1 (sometimes called Learning Center)- Supplemental/ support services provided to students.  At PVHS, the Special Class 15:1 is typically one period in a student’s schedule where students work with a special education teacher on their individual IEP goals.

• Integrated Co-Teaching (previously called collaborative or inclusion classes)- Students with disabilities and general education students are educated together with a general education teacher and a special education teacher who collaborate together.  The special education teacher in the class works to adapt and modify instruction for the students with special needs. The general education teacher is responsible for assuring the entire class has access to the general education curriculum.

• Special Class (also called Self-Contained class)- Students with disabilities are educated in a classroom with a smaller student-teacher ratio.  Ratios are determined based on the similarity of the individual needs to the students according to levels of academic or educational achievement and learning characteristics, levels of social development, levels of physical development and the management needs of the students in the class.

• Related Services- Students with disabilities may qualify for additional services in order to address specific needs. They may receive small group and/or individual sessions in the areas of speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and/or counseling. 

Who can I go to if I have questions about special education, my IEP, etc?

If you have a case manager, that is a great place to start. That might be your Learning Center teacher or another teacher on your schedule. You can also visit one of the school psychologists in the Student Support Suite (308) for guidance. 

What is a 504?

Sometimes students with a disability do not require special education services; however, they require accommodations and modifications.  In such a case, students may be eligible for a Section 504 Plan.  Disability defined under Section 504  (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) protects students from discrimination based on their disability status.   In a public school setting, a student qualifies as disabled under the definition of Section 504 if he or she has a mental or physical impairment, a record of impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment; and is substantially limited in his or her major life activities.  Under such circumstances, classroom modifications and/or testing accommodations are provided to ensure the student has equal access to their education.  

Examples of modifications and accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Extended time on exams

• Separate Location for exams

• Preferential Seating in a classroom

• Refocusing and Redirection in the classroom  

How are students deemed eligible for special education services or Section 504 accommodations?

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Section 504 committee are both multidisciplinary teams (including the parent/ guardian and PVHS student) that determine eligibility based on upon completion of the administration of educational and psychological evaluations, as well as other information such as teacher and parent reports, medical documentation, social history information, etc. 

For more information, check out the Special Education Link of New York State Education Department Website at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/specialed/ or visit our district PPS website https://pvcsd.org/index.php/pupil-personnel/

Click below for a Resource Guide for students with disabilities and their families!