West Point Schools Special Education Programs
Special Education Programs
The goals of the modified
self contained and resource program are to develop and strengthen identified
academic skills that are necessary for student learning to be successful across
the curriculum. Programs are structured
according to individual performance levels, goals and objectives. Students enrolled in resource programs are
provided both primary instruction, instructional support for successful
inclusion, and co-teaching instruction for inclusion in the regular
classroom. All instructional goals,
planning and implementation are done in accordance with students’ IEPs. At the present time, special education
services range from modified self contained and resource room programs to
co-teaching, consulting and monitoring services. West Point Schools service children in Bldg.
705A and Bldg. 705.
Preschool Special
Education Program
This program serves students aged three though five with identified disabilities and developmental delays in a variety of settings. Itinerant speech/language, occupational therapies and physical therapy are offered at the preschool level. The setting provides special education services at the neighborhood school level while presenting opportunities for the students to participate in a local preschool program. A small student staff ration provides opportunities for children to develop at their individual rates. Based on the child’s needs and IEP development, a variety of delivery models are implemented.
Speech/Language
Programs
Speech/language services are offered to all students at WPS, preschool through Grade 8. While the goal of the speech/language program is to enhance communication skill across academic and social settings, students participate in a variety of specialized instruction depending up identified needs. Therapy is designed for students who demonstrate a developmental or acquired communication delay that affects vocal production, articulation, receptive and/or expressive language skills and fluency. Students receive speech/language therapy through a variety of delivery models that provide direct therapy as well as collaboration and consultation with regular and other special education providers. Least Restrictive Environment placements are determined through the IEP process.
Visually Impaired
Program
Currently there are no children receiving vision therapy services. In past years, vision therapy has been offered as a related service designed to support eligible students in their special education programs.
Hearing Impaired
Program
A teacher of the hearing impaired is contracted to provide evaluation, instruction and consultation for children identified with needs in this area. This school year one middle school 6th grade student and one kindergarten student are receiving this service.
Guidance
Department
One of the Guidance Department’s primary contributions toward school improvement this year has been developing and implementing a Child Assistance Team (CAT). Teachers and/or parents may refer any child who is experiencing speech, hearing, physical, academic, medical and/or behavioral difficulties to CAT. The full-time counselor serves as chairperson and attends to the managerial tasks. There are 12 standing members on the CAT team; the three or four members who are most likely able to help develop interventions for a particular child attend any given meeting. CAT develops strategies, requests appropriate screenings, gathers information, offers support, suggests interventions, consults with parents, and refers to special education when appropriate. Decisions are based on the results of the screenings and the effectiveness of the interventions. If the interventions are effective, they are continues; if additional strategies and interventions are needed, those are implements; if the results indicate that a formal referral to CSC is appropriate, a formal referral is made.
Occupational
Therapy Program
Occupational therapy is one of the related services offered to students with disabilities at WPS. Because OT is a related service supporting a child in special education, WPS subscribes to an educational rather than a medical model. Evaluations and treatment programs are conducted and designed to target and restore, reinforce or enhance functional performance relative to a child’s educational performance throughout the school day. Students who may benefit from occupational therapy for medical reasons only are not eligible to receive occupational therapy from WPS. Decisions to provide therapy are made at IEP meetings. Therapy is proved by a qualified, licensed occupational therapist who may provide additional training and guidance in using special equipment to improve a student’s functional skills in daily living and study activities. In addition, a certified occupational therapy assistant provides OT services under the supervision of the OTRL.
Physical Therapy
Program
Physical therapy is one of the related services offered to students with disabilities at WPS. Because PT is a related service supporting a child in special education, WPS subscribes to an educational rather than a medical model. Decisions for therapy provision are made at IEP meetings. Students who may benefit from physical therapy for medical reasons only are not eligible to receive physical therapy from WPS.
At WPS, physical therapy services are delivered in conjunction with IEP requirements. Delivery models may include direct instruction, monitoring, consultation and home programs. Therapy may be provided in an integrated setting when appropriate. At present, one 2nd grade student receives physical therapy in accordance with his IEP.
Unique features of our program:
Areas which the CSC feels they have
exceeded monitoring standards:
School and
Community Support Services
Dependents at
The