Fox Chapel School District outlines special education plan due for public review

In a recent Fox Chapel Area School Board study session, the spotlight turned to the district's special education plan, a critical document required by state law and due for submission by May 1. Dr. Tim Mahoney, the director of special education and people services, presented an overview of the plan, emphasizing its importance in meeting federal and state compliance standards.

The special education plan is reviewed every three years and is designed to align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Dr. Mahoney outlined the planning process, which involves analyzing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and identifying areas for improvement. He highlighted three key indicators where the district aims to enhance its performance: participation in state assessments, the percentage of students educated in alternative settings, and transition planning for students with disabilities.

One significant point of discussion was Indicator 3, which measures the participation of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in state assessments. The district's participation rates were close to the required 95%, but Dr. Mahoney noted that even a small number of opt-outs could impact compliance. He assured that the district is actively working to educate staff on the importance of these assessments for tracking student progress.

Indicator 5, which pertains to the percentage of students educated in settings outside the district, showed a slight exceedance of the state standard. Dr. Mahoney explained that the district collaborates closely with families to ensure that students are placed in the most appropriate educational environments, particularly for those with complex medical needs.

Transition planning, covered under Indicator 13, revealed a compliance issue during a recent audit. Dr. Mahoney acknowledged a miscalculation in the documentation process and expressed commitment to improving training and resources for transition planning, particularly for students aged 14 and older.

The board plans to publicly post the draft of the special education plan on March 17, inviting community feedback before a final vote in April. Dr. Mahoney emphasized the importance of public input, noting that while not every comment may be incorporated, all feedback will be considered.

As the district moves forward, it aims to broaden its outreach to families, particularly those with twice-exceptional students—those identified as gifted and also having disabilities. The district is committed to enhancing support for these students and ensuring that their unique needs are met within the educational framework.

With a focus on continuous improvement and community engagement, the Fox Chapel Area School District is poised to refine its special education services, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive.