If your school-age child is having difficulties in school, first talk to his or herteacher. There are many supports for students within regular education such
as psychological services, speech and language improvement services,
curriculum and instructional modifications, supplemental reading instruction
and Response to Intervention (RtI). If concerns persist, you, or your child's
teacher can refer your child to the Instructional Services Team (IST). Instructional Services Teams work together with parents to determine
specific services and/or strategies that will support each student's success in
school.
If you and/or the IST suspect that your child may have a disability
that significantly impacts educational performance and requires special
education intervention, a referral can be made to the Committee on Special
Education (CSE). The CSE is appointed by the Board of Education and is
responsible for making recommendations that will meet the educational
needs of each student with a disability.
Members of the committee include:
- Parent(s) of the student
- Regular education teacher of the student whenever the student is or
may be participating in the regular education environment
- Special education teacher of the student, or if appropriate, special
education provider of the student
- School district representative who is qualified to provide or supervise
special education and is knowledgeable about the general curriculum
and the availability of resources of the school district (This person may
also be the special education teacher/provider or school psychologist.)
- An individual who understands and can talk about the evaluation
results and how these results affect instruction (This person may also
be the special education teacher/provider, regular education teacher,
school psychologist, school district representative or someone that the
school district determines has knowledge or special expertise
regarding the student.)
- School Psychologist
- School Physician (upon request)
- Parent member (upon request)
- Other people that have knowledge or special expertise regarding the
student, including related services personnel as appropriate (as
requested by the parent or school district)
- The student, if appropriate
The East Rochester Union Free School District has a District CSE and
Subcommittee CSEs. A District CSE recommends programs for new referrals
and for students who are being considered for a more restrictive program. A
Subcommittee CSE has a similar, but smaller make-up than the District CSE,
and it reviews the programs of students who are currently receiving special
education services.