Special Ed Placement Bay Area Advocacy part 2
Options include full inclusion, inclusion with resource (RSP) push-ins (taking place inside the classroom) and pull-outs (student is taken to another room to work), designated instruction services (DIS) and special day classes (SDC). Part 1 discussed inclusion and inclusion with resource.
Designated instruction services (DIS) are instruction and services not normally provided by regular classes, resource specialist programs, or special day classes. DIS includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and adaptive physical education. These services can be push-in or pull-out. IEP team determines what services the student needs in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE), and whether services will be push-in or pull-out.
Special Ed Placement Bay Area Advocacy part 2
Special day class is a self contained special education class which provides services to students with intensive needs. The IEP team determines that the student’s needs cannot be met by the general education program, RSP or DIS program. SDC classes consist of more than 50% of the student’s day. We still see some students in full SDC with no inclusion, or students who are “included” at lunch and recess. This is sometimes known as inclusion by air. Often the students with special needs sit together during lunch and play together during recess, gaining few benefits from being around their typical peers. Other options are for students to be included in regular education for specific classes. These can be art, music, math, English, or other options. What classes are appropriate depend on the student’s interests. IEP team discusses options, and makes the determination together. Some districts are enthusiastic and innovative in finding ways to include students with special needs in the regular education classes. It could be part or all of a class, with or without adaptations. Other districts are less creative or have less interest in individualizing the student’s education and opportunities for inclusion with their typically developing peers. This is an area where advocacy is key.
Talk to an advocate. Learn your rights.
http://www.aspireadvocacy.com
https://www.facebook.com/aspireadvocacy
As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.