Academics » Special Education

Special Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION (IEP)

Some children need support with foundational academic, social/emotional or other skills beyond interventions and accommodations. If a child continues to struggle despite interventions and accommodations, they may be considered for a Special Education evaluation. Special Education is a program within school in which related services, and specially designed instruction are provided to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability. Students with disabilities who require special education services have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Special Education Programming

Lower Grades

K-5 Students with IEPs are integrated into all General Education classes and receive related services either in class or in pull-out sessions, as per their IEP.  Students who have Related Services on their IEP, such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Counseling, receive those in both push-in and pull-out models, according to their IEP. Students with academic service needs usually spend one period a day with the Special Education teacher in SETSS class. There is currently  no ICT programming in K-5. 

Middle and Upper Grades

In Grades 6-12, we have a full ICT program across the four core content classes of ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies. Additionally, for those who need it, we have a daily SETSS class to focus on foundational academic skills. Our Integrated Collaborative Teaching (ICT) classes are co-taught by the General Education content teacher and a Special Education teacher. In Middle Grades, one out of four class sections is ICT and in Upper Grades 2-3 sections our of five are ICT. The groups of students mix and change from class to class in grades 7-12. All classes are mixed for non-core subjects such as Physical Education, World Languages, Theater, Art and Music. Students who have Related Services on their IEP, such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Counseling, receive those in both push-in and pull-out models, according to their IEP. 

The Special Education Evaluation Process

The School Based Support Team (SBST), in collaboration with teachers, counselors, families and administration, determines whether a student is eligible for special education. To make this determination, the team draws upon information gathered during the evaluation process. This includes a careful consideration of the supports and strategies employed prior to the IEP meeting. Students must be deemed to have a disability and a demonstrated need for services to be found eligible. 

The Special Education evaluation process requires specialized testing by the School based Support Team, or from external providers (if the family has already obtained that), the input of teachers and family, as well as the student (depending on age). The evaluation process can take a minimum of 90 days and can be conducted simultaneously to interventions and 504 accommodations. If eligible, the IEP is created by a team that includes the family.  

The goal of Special Education is to keep children in the “least restrictive environment” possible with their non-disabled peers, while providing the specialized therapies and instruction they need to reach grade level.  Services are provided as a result of evaluations, and may include Special Education Support Services (SETSS), Integrated Collaborative Teaching (ICT), Speech Therapy, Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and more. For more about the Special Education process, please see the NYC Public Schools website