Danville School District submits revised special education plan to Pennsylvania Department of Education

The Danville Area School District is set to enhance its special education services following the approval of a comprehensive special education plan during the DASD Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 2, 2025. This plan, mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, outlines the district's approach to providing necessary support for students with disabilities and is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with state requirements.

The special education plan, which must be revised every three years, details the continuum of services available to students, including in-district programs and outplacement options. Key components of the plan include enrollment figures, graduation rates, and methodologies for identifying students with specific learning disabilities. The district aims to ensure that students with disabilities are educated alongside their peers to the greatest extent possible, adhering to the principle of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Notably, the plan highlights a decrease in the identification of students needing special education services at the primary school level, attributed to the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This proactive approach aims to provide interventions in general education settings, reducing unnecessary referrals for special education.

In addition to the special education plan, the meeting also addressed the district's ongoing commitment to literacy training through the LETRS program. This scientifically-based reading research training for teachers has been a significant focus over the past two years, with many educators now certified. The final payment for this training, amounting to $19,300, will be included in the upcoming budget.

Furthermore, the district is updating its curricular resources, particularly in social studies and Spanish, to ensure a cohesive educational experience across grade levels. The unanimous selection of new resources, such as the My World interactive program for social studies and Inequentros for Spanish, reflects the district's dedication to enhancing educational quality.

As the district moves forward with these initiatives, stakeholders are encouraged to review the special education plan, which will be available for public comment on the district's website for 28 days. This transparency aims to foster community engagement and ensure that the needs of all students are met effectively.