What is Speacial Education ?

A Message from Ms.ReavesSmile

Having a child with a disability can be tough on a parent. Sometimes you don't know how you are going to cope with your child needing special services.  Twelve Years  ago our family was faced with a devastating tragedy , a house fire leaving my cousin Selena Wilkins  and her 7 year old son deceased. Surviving the fire was her 3 year old son Fred Wilkins and her 9 year old Daughter Shafreya Wilkins. Unfortunately, do to smoke inhalation Shafreya was left with a Traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affected her sensory motor skills. As a family we pulled together to help Shafreya on her long journey. Through this ordeal it was so many thing that we had to learn about her disability. Shafreya went from a high honor roll General education student to a student who needed special services.  Our family was overwhelmed because no one knew where to start. So today I am going to help you and your family with the resources and any questions you may have.   

Here are some questions that you may have about special education:

1.      What is special education?

2.      Who are the members of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education?  

3.      What is the role on the committee of the general education teacher (sometimes referred to as the "regular" education teacher)?

 4.      What is included in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

 5.      What are the steps in developing a student's IEP?

6.      Where is special education services provided?

 7.      What are the timelines for receiving special education services?

8.      Are student records confidential?

9.      Are students with disabilities expected to meet the same standards and take the same tests as general education students?

 10.  What are test accommodations and how are they implemented?

11.  What are the rights of parents in the IEP process?

12.  What steps can a parent take if there is disagreement with a child's IEP?

13.  What happens if a parent or teacher believes the student's program or placement is no longer appropriate?

14.  What planning should occur for young adults with disabilities?

15.  What help is available for children who may not need special education but may require other accommodations to learn?

16.  What support services are available to children who are not considered to have a disability, but still have problems learning?

17.  What can be done if a school district is not complying with federal and state law on special education?

18.  Where can I find more information?

Here is a link that will answer all of these question:

. "Special Education: A Guide to Special Education." NYSUT: A Union of Professionals. www.nysut.org

Special Education: A Guide to Special Education NYSUT Research and Educational Services - January 5, 2007    Introduction The New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. ...

 

http://nysut.org

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