Special Programs

Special Education

Special education services are available to students identified with a disability by a multi-disciplinary team. A multi-disciplinary team consists of teachers, the parent/guardian and oftentimes a school psychologist, therapist and the student. UTVA follows the requirements of IDEA 2004 and the laws of Utah. Documentation of the disability must be provided; such as medical records, prior educational records and/or a psychological evaluation. For new referrals UTVA uses Response to Intervention (RTI) school-wide as a first level support; to assist in the identification of educational needs; and to document the student is unable to learn with scientifically based interventions.

Students in need of adapted learning support services are those whose complex learning needs impact their academic achievement and their ability to make sufficient progress in the general education setting. Services offered may include: adaptations and modifications to the general education curriculum, specialized instructional strategies, and adjustments in pacing. The student’s home is the regular classroom. Services are provided by consultation with a highly qualified special education teacher via phone, e-mail and the ClassConnect online classroom.

What to expect:

● Every Special Education student will be assigned a special education teacher in addition to his or her regular Course Teachers. The Learning Coach/parent or guardian and student are expected to meet regularly with the Special Education Teacher in the ClassConnect online classroom and by conference call.

● The Special Education Teacher provides the Learning Coach/parent or guardian assistance to modify and adapt the learning environment as well as curriculum paths for success.

● The Special Education Teacher provides direct instruction to the student in the ClassConnect online classroom on a regular basis.

● The Special Education Teacher, the regular education teacher, and the Learning Coach/parent or guardian will meet together for a 3-way conference by phone or ClassConnect online session a minimum of once a semester.

● The Special Education Teacher is available as a resource for instructional strategies, adaptations and modifications to the curriculum.

● The Special Education Teacher will provide a progress report at the end of each semester, noting the progress on the student’s IEP goals.

● Special Education students are required to meet the same attendance policies as their peers. The home environment, one-on-one instruction, and flexible schedule create a learning environment which meets the student’s specific needs.

UTVA Response to Intervention (RtI)

UTVA uses Response to Intervention (RtI) school-wide as a first level support, to assist in the identification of educational needs, and to provide scientifically based interventions for struggling students.

Students in need of extra assistance are identified by placement tests, prior state test results, parent input and progress in the curriculum. Students may be identified at any time during the school year. Highly-qualified teams provide instructional and behavioral strategies. Interventions may include teaching and behavior modification strategies, and attendance in ClassConnect office hours.

If you believe your student has a learning problem, the first step is to request an RtI consultation with your student’s assigned Guidance Counselor. If you have further questions contact UTVA’s Child Find Specialist at 801-262-4922.

Related Services

Related services may include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and/or physical therapy when it is necessary for the student to make adequate progress in the general curriculum.

Related services, placement and goals are determined by the IEP team. Options for related services should be discussed with the special education staff before the family decides to enroll with UTVA. Related services are provided by independent contractors across the state of Utah. It is important to note that students are expected to keep appointments since missed appointments may result in the contractor refusing to provide services.

504 ACCOMMODATION PLAN

The 504 Accommodation Plan is set in place to assist the student with their day to day learning challenges that are a result of their disability. In the UTVA learning environment it is a plan that is applied to the student’s learning mainly by the Learning Coach. The plan gives the Learning Coach and student the ability to apply accommodations that a regular education student may not be able to apply.

Possible disabilities that can be accommodated by a 504 plan are allergies, ADHD, cancer, epilepsy, eating disorder, diabetes, juvenile arthritis, vision impairment, hearing impairment, bi- polar, residual effects of an injury. There are many physical or mental disability qualifiers.

Learning Coaches who feel their students should be on a 504 plan should contact their homeroom teacher to discuss options.