1. Blackhawk School District
Special Education Plan Committee Members
School Year
Christina Chesno – Pride Life Skills teacher, grades K - 2 at BIS
LuAnne Maginness - Elementary teacher, grade 2 at PPS
Hannah Nohe – Learning Support teacher, grade 3 at BIS
Drew Bosco – Emotional Support teacher, grades 5 – 8 at HMS
Tracy Yowler – Pride Life Skills teacher, grades 5 – 8 at HMS
Nina Harper – Learning Support teacher, grades 9 – 12 at BHS
Missy Bender – Secondary level Math teacher, grades 9 – 12 at BHS
Elizabeth Altenhof – School Psychologist, Prek - 12
Mr. and Mrs. John and Grace Masterson – Parent
Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Kody Antesberger – Parent
Marianne LeDonne – Curriculum Director – District level administrator
Korin H. McMillen – Special Education Director – District level administrator

2. What is a Special Education Plan. 22 Pa Code 14
What is a Special Education Plan? 22 Pa Code Each school district shall develop and implement a special education plan aligned with the strategic/comprehensive plan. The special education plan shall be developed every 3 years Each school district’s special education plan must specify the special education programs that operate in the district and those that are operated in the district by intermediate units, area vocational technical schools, and other agencies. Plans must also identify special education services offered in approved private schools, and services for students with disabilities who are placed in residential homes or institutions.

3. Plans must describe:
Early intervening services – PreK Counts, Head Start, Early Intervention services and preschool
Identification of learning disabilities – method, process, and evaluations
Positive behavioral support services – BVIU support and outside consultation
Number of students enrolled in the District who are eligible for special education - 341
Least Restrictive Environment – LRE – District procedures for ensuring that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with non-disabled children.
Continuum of supports and services, and educational placement options to support students with disabilities and provide access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment, as appropriate. SPP Targets are/are not met.
Personnel Development: Autism, Reading, Behavior Support, Paraprofessionals, Transition
Parent Engagement and training: Open Houses, Parent/teacher conferences, IEP meetings, etc.
Special Education Affirmations: Electronic Signatures of Superintendent and President of School Board of Directors – required.
Timelines: Plan must be available for public inspection and comment for minimum of 28 days prior to PDE/BSE approval. Plans must be submitted to PDE/BSE by May 1, 2018.

4. What kind of Special Education Programs and Services does Blackhawk offer?
Learning Support for our students in grades K – 12
Students who benefit from learning support typically experience mild to moderate learning disabilities, such as a reading or math disability. Our Inclusion model supports students in the regular education classroom with the support of additional staff trained in special needs.
Life Skills Support for our students in grades K – 12, PRIDE program
Students who benefit from life skills support typically experience moderate to significant disabilities, such as intellectual disability, medical conditions that require increased supports, genetic conditions, etc. Our life skills model supports students who have complex needs. Small group settings are utilized for instruction, and opportunities are available in regular education settings, as successful.
Autistic Support for our students in grades K – 4, PRIDE program at BIS
Students who benefit from autistic support typically experience symptoms associated with Autism, such as communication barriers, social difficulties, sensory needs, and learning difficulties. Our model supports students in small group settings, and offers opportunities in regular education settings, as successful.
Emotional Support for our students in grades 5 – 8 at HMS
Students who benefit from emotional support typically experience consistent emotional and behavioral challenges that impact their educational progress, and require supports in school that address their emotional, social, and behavioral needs. Our model supports students in small group settings as appropriate, and offers opportunities in regular education settings, as successful.

5. Special Services and Contracted Services
Speech/language therapy – BSD has 2 full-time speech therapists, district employees
Occupational/Physical Therapy – contracted services with 2 companies
Autism and Behavioral Consultation- contracted with Watson Institute and BVIU
Frequent and ongoing training for all staff, particularly with paraprofessionals
Highly qualified teachers and staff to support our students with special needs
Well-developed relationships with preschool providers and district families
Secondary and Elementary Student Assistance Programs (SAP and ESAP)
School-based professional counseling services with Glade Run Partnership
Secondary Transition - Life after graduation, OVR, Vocational/Job training, education

6. Results of the BVIU Needs Assessment
52 District staff members responded – 20 General Ed. Teachers, 16 Paras, and 10 Special Ed. Teachers, misc. other responses.
Area of highest need = Autism -Behavior strategies, Social- Emotional skills, Consultation for individual students, Assistive Technology for Reading, Supporting students with complex needs

7. Questions for the Committee?
What needs…..
Reviewed
Refreshed
Updated
Enhanced
Improved
Expanded
Added ?