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Special Services
Chapter 1 and Basic Skills Education
The Chapter I Program of the Board of Education augments the educationally
disadvantaged pupils through government funds in accordance with, Chapter I,
Education Act of 1981.
The supplemental program is based on an annual assessment of educational
needs and is individualized for pupils in primary grades.
Basic Skills instruction is another supplemental program for both Mathematics
and Reading. Criteria for admission are determined by:
∙ Test scores on the Terra Nova Achievement Test.
∙ Teacher recommendations.
Instructors work closely with the school principals, guidance counselors,
classroom teachers and parents of participating children in planning of each year’s
total program. An on-going evaluation of each student’s progress is maintained by
the instructors. Parents are kept informed through parent conferences and progress
reports. At the end of the year, students are re-evaluated by the staff, by the
classroom teacher, and by standardized tests to determine growth in program areas.
ESL - English as a Second Language
The Goal in the ESL program is the acquisition of English skills in listening,
speaking, reading and writing. Each grade level is divided into three parts:
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Skills.
The program is individualized as much as possible. The entire program exercises
different modules and integrates reading, writing, memory training and visual
perception for more extensive learning. A total immersion strategy is
implemented.
Speech
Speech and language services are available to students identified as having
communication problems in areas such as articulation, fluency, voice and
language. Clinicians provide speech/language therapy and when necessary,
consult with the basic Child Study Team.
Child Study Team/Special Education
The Child Study Team consists of a school psychologist, a learning consultant, a
social worker and often a speech correctionist. The Team conducts a multidisciplinary
evaluation of children who are suspected of having a disability and might
need special education services. All parents receive a copy of Parental Rights in
Special Education when their child is referred for a possible evaluation. Programs
provided in this district for a child found to require classification and services are
varied to include accommodations in a general education class, related services,
resource center instruction or enrollment in a special education class. Members of
the Child Study Team also work directly with teachers to assist them in adjusting the
school or classroom environment to the educational needs of their pupils.
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If special assistance is needed, a child is referred for formal diagnostic services
Programs available and include resource room programs and self contained
classes. Recommendations for placement/services are made by the Child study
Team. Individualized educational plans (IEP’s) are formulated for every
classified student.
Gifted and Talented
The school system has a series of formal and informal program components for
students with special abilities and talents. Formal components are characterized by
specific identification procedures and regularly scheduled instructional time.
Informal components include options that provide for all interested students.
Formal Components - In keeping with the most recent research, the school system
defines intellectual giftedness as a blending of outstanding intellect, motivation, and
creative thinking. For the formal components of the program, the district uses
multiple criteria to identify pupils who may be gifted. These procedures include the
use of I.Q. Tests, achievement tests, teacher recommendations and peer nominations
to select children in academic areas, as well as the creative arts. Special classes are
held in each elementary school during the regular school day.
The Rogate Program is offered for academically gifted and talented middle school
students selected by their tests scores and on recommendations from their teachers
and guidance counselor. Students must meet weekly to discuss test taking and
techniques, current affairs and subjects of intellectual interest, and curiosity.
Another component for middle school students, who demonstrate aptitude in
specific academic areas, consists of accelerated classes for seventh graders and eighth
graders in science and mathematics.
At the high school, a program of honors courses in English, mathematics, science,
social studies and foreign language has been established. Also, advanced courses are
available in art, music, and band. Advanced placement courses in calculus, English
and social studies, as well as college credit course in advanced biology are offered.
Informal Components - To nurture elementary students in areas of specific interest a
regular series of voluntary classes are held by the Continuing Education Department
on Saturday mornings at the high school.
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