Unionville Chadds Ford School District plans new special education initiative for 2024-2027
March 01, 2024 | Unionville-Chadds Ford SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is gearing up for a significant vote on its special education plan, set for the April board meeting. This three-year plan, covering 2024 to 2027, is a crucial requirement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and aims to enhance educational support for students with special needs.
Dr. Ryder and Mrs. Brown presented an overview of the plan during the March 2024 Curriculum and Instruction Meeting, emphasizing the collaborative efforts involved in its development. The district partnered with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to gather data and insights, focusing on the strengths and challenges of current special education services.
Key highlights of the plan include a detailed examination of identification methods for students with specific learning disabilities, with the district opting for a discrepancy model rather than a response to intervention model. This approach allows for a more tailored evaluation process led by school psychologists.
The plan also addresses the oversight of non-resident and incarcerated students, noting that the district provides educational services to students at the Chester County Youth Center and Chester County Prison. These students can earn diplomas from Unionville High School if they meet the necessary credit requirements.
Another critical aspect of the plan is the commitment to maintaining a least restrictive environment (LRE) for students, ensuring they receive appropriate educational support alongside their peers. The district is dedicated to refining its positive behavior support strategies and enhancing staff development to better serve students with complex needs.
As the board prepares for the upcoming vote, the significance of this special education plan cannot be overstated. It represents a proactive step towards improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those requiring additional support. The district's focus on collaboration and data-driven decision-making sets a promising foundation for the next three years.
Dr. Ryder and Mrs. Brown presented an overview of the plan during the March 2024 Curriculum and Instruction Meeting, emphasizing the collaborative efforts involved in its development. The district partnered with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to gather data and insights, focusing on the strengths and challenges of current special education services.
Key highlights of the plan include a detailed examination of identification methods for students with specific learning disabilities, with the district opting for a discrepancy model rather than a response to intervention model. This approach allows for a more tailored evaluation process led by school psychologists.
The plan also addresses the oversight of non-resident and incarcerated students, noting that the district provides educational services to students at the Chester County Youth Center and Chester County Prison. These students can earn diplomas from Unionville High School if they meet the necessary credit requirements.
Another critical aspect of the plan is the commitment to maintaining a least restrictive environment (LRE) for students, ensuring they receive appropriate educational support alongside their peers. The district is dedicated to refining its positive behavior support strategies and enhancing staff development to better serve students with complex needs.
As the board prepares for the upcoming vote, the significance of this special education plan cannot be overstated. It represents a proactive step towards improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those requiring additional support. The district's focus on collaboration and data-driven decision-making sets a promising foundation for the next three years.
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