SPECIAL EDUCATION OVERVIEW

East Penn School District is committed to education students with disabilities within the district.

East Penn School District is in compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Special Education programs and policies after completing their recommendations of the 2006-07 audit.

Special Education Support classes include:

Learning Support - addresses specific learning disabilities with 15 classes at the elementary level, 14 at the middle school level and 16 at the high school level; Team teaching in regular classes and inclusion aides are also utilized.

Autistic Support - 4 classes at the elementary level, 1 at the middle school level and 2 at the high school level.

Emotional Support - 1 class at the elementary level, 1 at the middle school level, and 1 at the high school level

Life Skills Support - class for mentally/physically challenged students at Jefferson Elementary School, Lower Macungie Middle School, Emmaus High School (contracted through Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21).

Multi-Disabilities classes contracted through Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 for students with severe handicaps.

Gifted Education - Students eligible for services as gifted learners are identified through a comprehensive evaluation process available in grades K-12.  Learning experiences are extended and/or accelerated on the basis of demonstrated need at all levels.

Assistive technology services are provided for Special Education students when need is demonstrated

Extended School Year (ESY) - Summer school designed for students with IEPs was expanded this year for 102 students.

In-service programs held through Student Services during 2009-10 included Student Assistance Programs (SAP), Chapter 14, Conflict Resolution and IDEA.

All Special Education teachers have laptop computers with IEP writing software.

Early Intervention - Services for children ages 3 to school age, if identified as developmentally delayed and/or in need of Special Education services, provided for East Penn through Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21.

Psychological Services - Psychologists are responsible for evaluations to determine students' disabilities and need for Special Education services.  They also consult with teachers for academic and behavioral interventions, ADHD evaluations and 504 service agreements.