The Greater Amsterdam School District > Greater Amsterdam school reopening plan for 2020-21 > Special Education

Special Education

  • Students participating in special class programming (15:1:1, 12:1:1, 12:1:(3+1), etc.) will attend school in-person Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday unless they have opted for Remote Only Learning. On Wednesdays, students will engage in remote learning and may have an opportunity for in-person related services.
  • Students who benefit from consultant teacher services and/or resource room will receive these through a combination of in-person and remote services. Individual goals will remain worked on and closely monitored. Progress monitoring of goals will continue, with regular reporting sent home quarterly.
  • Collaboration and communication between teachers, providers and parents will remain essential. Providers/teachers will maintain documentation of student engagement and parental communication.
  • Whether remote or in-person all students will continue to receive required modifications and accommodations, including assistive technology, per their Individual Education Plan (IEP).
  • Related services (PT, OT, SLP, SW) will be provided through a combination of in-person and remote. Therapists will work closely with parents and teachers to ensure individual needs are addressed and met.
  • For all questions or concerns regarding Special Education:
  • Continued collaboration with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) program providers to ensure continuity of services and supports for eligible students.

Special Education Class

These students will attend school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday based on the feedback we have received from parents both in a survey and in enrollment in Remote Only Learning. Wednesday will be virtual learning for all K-12 students.

Related Services

Students will continue to receive their services through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. In-person therapy will take place additionally on Wednesday. At present, the focus will be with Physical and Occupational therapy as these present the greatest challenge in a remote setting. This will assist in providing some in-person sessions for those with the highest need and involved in remote learning. Schedules will be developed in a collaborative manner with PT and OT.

Additionally, we have clarified some information for parents: 

Masks

The expectation is all students must wear a mask in school and on the bus. If a parent believes their child is unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition, he/she should:

    • Speak to child’s physician

    • Parent/guardian must provide medical documentation to school

    • Once medical documentation is received, a CSE or 504 mtg will be scheduled to determine a plan and accommodations. 

Use of 1:1 Aides

We have a number of staff who assist and support our students.

  • Students who require the assistance of a 1:1 aide will not always be able to practice social distancing. 

  • Aides will be provided PPE to ensure the health and safety of both the student and themselves.