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. Special education students are given every opportunity to achieve a New York State-sanctioned high school diploma and, in fact, most of our students do receive high school diplomas at the conclusion of their courses of study. A nondiploma high school exiting credential may be recommended by the CSE for students who achieve the goals prescribed by their Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) and do not earn high school credits.

In addition to special education instruction, students may receive instruction in general educational and/or career and technical education programs according to their abilities, needs and interests. Each student’s progress and placement are closely monitored and evaluated by the individual school subcommittee or the Central Committee on Special Education. Ongoing parent-teacher conferences keep parents informed and involved in the formation of educational goals.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Resource Room

The Resource Room offers remedial instruction and support to students who are otherwise fully mainstreamed. The Resource Room teacher assists in academic skills and supplies 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 integrated co-teaching program provides special education students with specialized academic instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities within the general education class. Two certified teachers teach the class. All students participate in NYS assessments and curriculum is equivalent to mainstream courses. Integrated co-teaching is provided in certain subject areas and courses.

Special Education Classes

This program provides special education instruction to students in the major curricular areas of science, social studies, mathematics and English. The course content of each credit-bearing class is equivalent to courses in the general education program and in no way precludes a student from receiving a high school diploma. 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.

As students enter their 10th grade year in the PACE Program, they will have the opportunity to participate in the following introductory career exploration course:

Career Exploration

This course was created for the hands-on exploration of careers through the FACS, Business and CTE coursework. Students will be provided with the opportunity to accrue work-based learning hours through participation in student-run endeavors such as the school garden and FACS cafe. A cross- curriculuar approach will provide students the opportunity to delve into multiple career pathways, empowering students to discover their interests and strengths as they master the 21st-century skills needed to succeed after high school.

DISTRICT PROGRAMS

Non-Diploma 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.