SPECIAL EDUCATION OVERVIEW

The Antietam School District (ASD) provides a full continuum of special education programs and services that include K-12 learning support, emotional support, life-skills support and autistic support. Each program is supported by related services in areas such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and/or language support. Programs and services exist at both the elementary and secondary levels and may range from supportive, inclusive services to self-contained classrooms for students who exhibit intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, traumatic brain injury and other health impairment. Special education programs and services in the ASD aim to provide students with as much help and targeted intervention as needed. Students with disabilities are supported in the general education setting with non-disabled peers to the fullest extent possible. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model of service delivery provides students early intervening services, targeted interventions and a three-tiered approach to instruction that increases in intensity depending upon the need of the student. The ASD utilizes evidence-based interventions and programs to support students at all tiers.

ASD provides quality programs and services to all of its students. ASD is very proud of the inclusion programs offered in each of its buildings and fully promotes inclusionary practices and effective teaching strategies in order to accommodate students with disabilities. ASD currently implements a co-teaching model in which special education and regular education teachers work together to provide instruction for content area classes in the regular educational setting, thus integrating students with disabilities into the regular educational setting to the fullest extent appropriate. ASD also provides pull-out learning support services for those students who require this level of support.

ASD attempts to educate as many of our special education students within our district programs as possible. Each student’s strengths and weaknesses are evaluated on an individual basis by the IEP Team, and decisions are always based upon the needs of the child. Some children, however, cannot be appropriately served in their regular school and class because of their unique needs and are served in other settings as determined by the IEP Team.