The special education programs provide instruction and support to students with special learning needs who have been identified by the district’s Committee on Special Education (CSE). Students pursue courses of study with equivalent curricula to those offered in the general education program.

Resource Room

The resource room program offers differentiated instruction and support to students who are otherwise fully mainstreamed. The classroom teacher aids in academic skills and teaches compensatory strategies that will assist students in successfully accessing instruction. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis. Resource room services are offered one period a day within small groups.

Integrated Co-Teaching

The Sewanhaka Central High School District provides integrated co-teaching services in English, math, social studies and science as part of its continuum of services for special education students. Integrated co-teaching services means the provision of specialized academic instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities within the general education class. Two certified teachers will teach the class. All children participate in New York State assessments and curriculum is equivalent to mainstream courses.

Special Education Classes

This program provides grade-level special education instruction to students in the four academic areas of English, math, science and social studies. While great emphasis is placed on differentiation and mastery of basic skills, the course content of each special education class is equivalent to courses in the general education program. Small-group instruction is provided to a maximum of 15 students per class. Each class is taught by a certified special education teacher.

PACE – The PACE Program (Promoting Academics and Career Exploration) provides specialized instruction in all content areas and is designed for students who present with cognitive and academic weaknesses. This program provides a higher level of individualized and differentiated instruction through a modified curriculum. Students will simultaneously work towards earning a diploma and the CDOS credential. Small- group instruction is provided to a maximum of 12 students per class. Each class is taught by a certified special education teacher and a teaching assistant.

Nondiploma Programs:

Activities for Daily Living (ADL)

This program provides skill-based instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals. The ADL classes are comprised of a 12:1:1 class size ratio with emphasis on functional academics in reading, writing, math, communication skills, life skills, pre-employment, vocational skills, travel training and social skills. Students who are 16 and over attend this program for a half day and are in vocational preparation programs or community- based internship programs for the remainder of the day to prepare for future employment. Students also have access to the District’s PAES Lab. Additional school vocational programs are located at Sewanhaka High School or in the community. This program culminates in the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential and is located at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

Career Development Program (CDP)

This program is designed for students to engage in skill-based instruction with an emphasis on functional academics, community experiences, acquisition of daily living skills and development of vocational skills. The CDP classes are comprised of a 12:1:1 class size ratio. Students are instructed using functional language-based curriculum to improve their receptive and expressive language. Students also have access to the District’s PAES Lab. This program culminates in the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential and is located at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

Developmental Learning Center (DLC)

This program is designed for students to engage in skill-based instruction with an emphasis on communication, socialization, acquisition of daily living skills and development of vocational skills. The DLC classes are comprised of an 8:1:2 class size ratio. Students are instructed using a functional language-based curriculum to improve their receptive and expressive language. Students also have access to the District’s PAES Lab. This program culminates in the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential and is located at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

Promoting Academics through Life Skills (PALS)

This program is designed for students with autism spectrum disorder and/or cognitive and social pragmatic language needs. The program incorporates both academics and acquisition of daily living skills. Curriculum and instruction are based on individual needs and abilities. Students participate in large-group, small-group and individual instruction. Language and social skills are emphasized as a major component throughout instruction. Vocational training will be introduced as students enter their high school years. Students also have access to the District’s PAES Lab. This program culminates in the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential.