Special Education

Services exist on a broad continuum including: limited special education instruction within regular classrooms; special education interwoven with regular instruction in classes that are "team-taught" by a regular and a special education teacher; pull-out services for intense skill development; self-contained special education classes. Eligibility for special education is determined by a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) consisting of professional staff members and the child's parent(s). Parents and teachers who believe a child has a learning problem caused by a disability should notify the principal, who will convene a PPT meeting. In order to qualify for services, a child must have a disability recognized by state and federal law or be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For an eligible student, a plan will be developed outlining the services the team believes are necessary for him or her to benefit from education.

Services are geared toward maintaining students in their home school district. However, Westport accepts a number of children from schools in the area into our life-skills program at Staples H.S.

 

Speech and Language

The professional staff of speech and language pathologists, including a teacher of the hearing impaired, offer screening consultation and direct services. All kindergartners are screened to identify significant problems. Parents or teachers with concerns about a child's speech, hearing or language development, should notify the principal who will refer the youngster to the school's Early Intervention Team.

 

Special Education Law and IEP Process

• An overview of IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act)
• Procedural Safeguards
• Rehabilitation Act Section 504

 

The Referral Process

• Beginning the Partnership

 

The Individual Education Program (IEP) Meeting

• The Team Process at Work

 

The Evaluation Process

• Identifying Your Child's Strength and Needs

 

Eligibility

• Determining which children are Eligible for Special Education Services

 

The Individualized Education Program

• "A Plan of Action"
• Continuum of Services and Related Services

 

Parent Resources

• Special Ed Parent Handbook
• PPT at a glance - Parent Guide to the Planning & Placement Team Meeting
• Web and local resources for families
• PTA Council Special Education Committee Representatives