2013 Middle School Curriculum Guide - Wantagh School

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Mission Statement
The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Department supports the district’s commitment to excellence
and strives to prepare all our students to live full and productive lives in the world-wide
community.
Introduction
PPS Staff members provide special education and support services to the students of Wantagh in
grades K – 12. Additionally, they provide assistance to families and support to general education
staff and administrators. School nurses, psychologists, social workers, special education
teachers, special education aides, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists and
physical therapists are all part of the PPS team within the district. Outside consultants and
itinerant teachers are included as needed. The department provides a continuum of services at all
grade levels including the high school.
Special Education programs and/or services are provided to students classified as disabled and
in need of special education services as per the recommendations of the Committee on Special
Education.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Resource Room: The student is in general education classes for core academics, physical
education and electives. He/she attends resource room one period daily to help remediate
weaknesses and learn compensatory skills. This small group instruction (5:1) is provided by a
special education teacher.
Collaborative Program: This program is the secondary inclusion model. Core academics are
team taught in a general education class by a content area teacher and a special education teacher
with collaborative planning. A special education teacher aide adds additional support. Students
spend one period per day in a non-integrated setting with the special education teacher to help
remediate weaknesses and learn compensatory skills.
Special Class: Students receive academic instruction in a non-integrated setting with a special
education teacher. A special education teacher aide adds additional support. Students are
integrated for all electives and mainstreamed for academics on an individual basis.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Consultant Teacher – Indirect: A special education teacher consults with the general
education teachers regarding teaching strategies that best meet the needs of a particular student.
The student does not work directly with the special education teacher.
Consultant Teacher – Direct: The special education teacher consults with the general
education teachers regarding teaching strategies for the student and also meets periodically with
the student to work on strategies and study/organizational skills.
Related Services: A professional staff member such as a speech/language therapist;
occupational therapist; physical therapist; social worker or psychologist works individually or in
small groups with the student in areas directly related to his/her disabilities.