Special                   Education              Services

Special Education Continuum of Services

The academic programs of service outlined below provide access to an education and environment that appropriately meets the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education students of South Colonie Central School District. 

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 instruction methods to meet the needs of a student with a disability who attends the general education class. 

Resource Room (5:1) 

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. 

Integrated Co-Teach 

Students in the integrated co-teaching classroom receive instruction from both a general education and a special education teacher who plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for all students. Both educators are responsible for the implementation of students’ IEPs, differentiation of instruction, assessment of student achievement, and utilization of a classroom management plan, when needed. Integrated co-teaching students are typically grouped together based on similarity of need for the purpose of receiving specially designed instruction in a general education class.

Resource Room and Support in the Following Grade 9 Core Coursework:

• English 9 

• Global History & Geography 9 

• Algebra 1 Block with/Lab 

• Living Environment with/Lab 

Special Class: Academic Skills Development Classroom (15:1:1) 

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. 

Special Class: Social Emotional Classroom (8:1:2) 

This program provides students with support for their social and emotional needs. The students are also supported in all academic areas. The program promotes independence for all students. Students are supported with constant and consistent adult direction and reinforced in a structured classroom environment. Students are extended opportunities to participate in school wide activities. These activities may include but are not limited to clubs, field trips, team days, pep rallies and sports.

Program Coursework for Special Classes 15:1:1 and 8:1:2: 

• General English 9-12 

• General Global History & Geography 9-10, General U.S. History 11, General Social Studies 12 

• General Algebra 9-10, General Consumer Mathematics 11-12 

• General Living Environment, Applied Science 10-12 

Special Class: Life Skills Development Classroom (12:1:2) 

This program is 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 this program are supported through a myriad of resources, interventions and growth empowerment strategies. 

Special Class: Autism Classroom/Comprehensive Development Program (6:1:2) 

This is an intensive multi-age special class program for students whose learning characteristics are consistent with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis. Students receive academic instruction within a highly structured setting which includes detailed learning and behavior expectations with assistive technology. Student engagement and performance is centered on individualized growth and development is targeted to enhance existing strengths while bolstering support frameworks to turn areas of concern into points of opportunity and discovery.

Program Coursework for Special Classes 12:1:2 and 6:1:2: 

• English IP 9-12 

• Social Studies IP 9-12 

• Mathematics IP 9-12 

• Science IP 9-12 

• Adaptive Physical Education 9-12 

• Life Skills 

• Community Experience 

• Job Skills