My Child has a IEP… Now What??? An Overview of what Parents Need to Know Once Their Child Has Been Classified under Special Education Presented by Mallory Poledro & Aubrey Fisher District Psychologists

Learning the Lingo: Important Terms LRE Least Restrictive Environment IEP Individualized Education Program CSE Committee on Special Education The primary function of the CSE is to identify, evaluate, review the status of, and make recommendations concerning the appropriate educational placement of each child with a disability

Classifications What does it mean to be classified? It is important to understand that when your child receives a special education classification, it is an educational classification, NOT a medical diagnosis! This classification represents the overriding factor as to why your child is not succeeding academically, socially or emotionally within the school environment. This is not necessarily permanent. The classification can be revisited and reexamined as your child progresses. *When your child goes to college or applies for jobs, they do NOT need to disclose that they were classified under special education.

Classifications, defined There are 13 classifications that a student may fall under: Autism Deaf-blindness Deafness Emotional Disturbance Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Orthopedic Impairment Other Health Impairment Learning Disability Speech or Language Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury Visual Impairment (including blindness)

IEP Highlighted Components Test Results Testing Accommodations Present Levels of Performance Transition Activities Annual Goals State Assessed vs. Alternately Assessed Programs & Services

State Assessed Programs: Resource Room (5:1): Teacher provides assistance in academic skills and supplies compensatory strategies Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis Resource Room is offered one period a day Each class has a ratio of 5 students and one special education teacher

Programs and Services: State- Assessed Programs Integrated Co-Teaching Integrated co-teaching services in English and math provide specialized academic instruction to meet the needs of the students with disabilities within the general education class Two certified teachers teach the class (one special education teacher & one general education teacher) Curriculum is identical to general education classrooms

State Assessed Programs: Small Class Instruction (15:1:1) Provides specialized instruction to students in the four major content areas of science, social studies, mathematics, and English The course content of each class is equivalent to courses in the general education program Each classroom has a maximum of 15 students along with one special education teacher and one teacher assistant

Related Services Speech/Language Therapy Counseling Services Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

Important Information for All Parents! Program Review: Any time you, or your child’s teachers/therapists, would like to review the IEP for a possible change, a request for a program review should be submitted in writing. A CSE meeting will commence to discuss the concerns. Annual Review: Every spring, you will be invited to a CSE meeting to review your child’s IEP, progress towards their goals, as well as recommended programs and services for the following school year. Reevaluation Review: Every 3 years, your child will undergo a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine their progress. Parental consent is required. A CSE meeting will commence to discuss the results.

Who are my Point People? School psychologist Guidance counselor Special education chairperson Fran Sinobio (SHS) Dr. Kimberly Carroll (FPM) Dr. Chris Schnepf (HFC) Kevin Milano (NHP) Marian O’Connor (ELM) Social worker Special education teacher

Parent School Collaboration is Key!