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Committee on Special Education Office Palmyra- Macedon High School (315) 597-3405
Joan E. Karnisky, Director of Special Services Debbie Chase, Administrative Aide Kathy Loughman, Secretary
Committee on Special Education (CSE)
The Committee on Special Education is a multidisciplinary team that in accordance with Educational Law ensures the identification, evaluation, and provision of services to students with special needs. The membership of this committee includes but is not limited to:
· the student · the parents or guardians of the student · a general education teacher of the student · a special education teacher of the student · a school psychologist · an additional parent member of a student with a disability residing in the school district · CSE Chairperson
How does a student become involved with the CSE? If your school-age child is having difficulties in school, the first step is to talk with his or her classroom teacher. There are many supports in place for students within the general education program such as speech and language improvement, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Academic Intervention Services. Each building in the Palmyra-Macedon school district has a Pupil Support Services Team that will help determine if your child should access these services. If the Pupil Support Services team and you feel that your child cannot benefit from the building level support, your child may have a disability that impacts his or her learning. At this point a referral to the Committee of Special Education can be made. The referral is a written request made by you or school personnel for educational testing to determine if your child has a disability. What happens after a referral is made? After a written referral is made to the CSE consent for testing will be mailed to you. Along with this consent form will be information about your rights and responsibilities, social history, medical questionnaire and possible evaluations. The signed consent form must be returned to the CSE office before testing can begin. Depending on the nature of the suspected disability, multiple tests may be needed to make an accurate determination. All students referred to CSE will given cognitive and achievement testing by a certified school psychologist. Additional testing may be administered by the Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational or Physical Therapist. What happens after testing? Once the testing is completed, a CSE meeting will be scheduled and the results of the testing discussed. If it is determined that your child has a disability, the CSE will determine what special education services are necessary. The special education team will develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which will be used to guide programming. What is an IEP? An IEP is a guidance document that identifies a student’s unique needs and describes what services, modifications, or accommodations would be available to the student based on those needs. The goal of the IEP is to provide a pathway for students to meet the educational standards of New York State. The IEP can be amended as needed and is reviewed at least once a year by the CSE in a meeting called an Annual Review. What special education services are available to my child? The Palmyra- Macedon school district offers a continuum of special education services. The District is committed to providing services to the greatest extent possible in the least restrictive environment. The least restrictive environment is that which a student can be instructed with his or her peers without disabilities and still receives the appropriate supports and services identified in his or her IEP. Continuum of Special Education Services Consultant Teacher services are provided to students within the general education classroom for a minimum of two hours per week. In this model, the special education teacher works directly with the students and/or the classroom teacher to prepare materials, modify delivery of instruction or provide additional interventions to ensure that the student will benefit from the general education classroom. Classrooms that typically have consultant teacher services may be referred to as an inclusion model.
Resource Rooms provide support services outside the general education classroom. Resource Room services are designed to provide reinforcement or supplemental instruction of previously taught skills. Resource Room services may also include study skills and/or support with organizing materials.
Special Classes are designed for students who need a small, structured environment for their primary instruction. Students who attend Special Classes need significant support in academics. While the content may be matched closely with that of the general education class, the delivery and pace may be modified to meet the needs of the student. Special Classes may be referred to as a 15:1 (15 students and 1 teacher) or a 12:1:1 (12 students, 1 teacher, and 1 aide).
Special Classes are also offered at BOCES programs and/or private schools. Students with needs that cannot be addressed in within the Palmyra-Macedon district may attend a program outside of the district. These programs are highly specialized and offer personnel and/or equipment that are necessary to meet the student’s needs. What are related services? Related services are offered to both general and special education students. These services include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Vision Therapy. Students suspected of being in need of one or more of these services are referred for an evaluation. The results of the evaluation determine the level of services necessary to meet the student’s needs. Links to VESID, http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/
Due Process Notice http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/parentguide.htm#ReqDue
Committee on Preschool Special Education Office Palmyra-Macedon High School (315) 597-3461 Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
The Preschool Committee of Special Education is a multidisciplinary team that in accordance with Educational Law ensures the identification, evaluation, and provision of services to preschool students with special needs ages three to five. The membership of this committee includes but is not limited to: · parents or guardians of the student · county representative · a special education teacher · service provider of the student · an additional parent member of a preschool student with a disability residing in the school district · CPSE Chairperson
What if I have concerns with my preschooler’s developmental skills? (ex: speech, behavioral, gross and fine motor, etc.) As parents you have the best understanding of your child’s strengths and abilities. If you feel that you child may not be developing as you would have expected you may consider a referral to the CPSE at Palmyra-Macedon. A multi-disciplinary team can evaluate your child’s skill development. These evaluations can be provided in your home and are free of charge. If services are recommended they can also be offered at no cost to you. A referral can begin with a phone call to the CPSE office. What does the CPSE evaluation include? All evaluations are based on the needs of the child, but always include at least a social history (information provided by you about your child’s developmental history), a psychological evaluation to determine your child learning potential and a speech and language evaluation. What type of services can be offered to my child? If your child qualifies for services they may offered in variety of settings from certified professionals. CPSE services include:
· Speech and Language Therapy · Special Education · Occupational Therapy · Physical Therapy · Music Therapy
Depending on the frequency of the services, they may be provided in your home, daycare, or in an approved preschool program. If you are unsure if your child can benefit from services, please refer to the following Child Development Chart. This chart will give you information about what development is typically for a child three to five years of age.
Link to Development Chart http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/HowIGrow/intro.htm
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