Special Education Services
At Eastern Greene we believe the role of special education should be to minimize the impact of disability and maximize the opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in general education in their natural community (Hehir, 2006).
Special education programming provides the support students need to access their Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Services are offered for eligible students aged preschool through 12th grade, and in some cases, until age 22, in their least restrictive environment (LRE).
School staff work collaboratively with families and community agencies to support each learner, as identified in his/her Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). This support looks different for every student, and may range from consultation and support in the general education classroom to direct instruction in special education classes.
Eastern Greene is committed to the following important considerations in special education decision making:
-
Differential diagnosis and appropriate evaluations
-
Family capacity and desires
-
Involving students with disabilities in education decision when appropriate
-
Inclusion in general education environments should be central
-
Promoting high standards for all students
-
Applying concepts of universal design for learning