Special Education
Students and parents are assured that the Pine Grove Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by various federal and state statutes. The Pine Grove Area School District, in conjunction with Intermediate Unit #29, provides a variety of special education services. Information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and available for individuals with special needs can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Susan Tesno at 570.345.2731 x325.
Does Your Child Need Special Education?
Your child may be eligible if:
Children must meet both qualifications in order to qualify as an eligible student. All exceptional children have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Special education services are provided in accordance with The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Pennsylvania School Code Chapter 14.
If your child has a disability but does not qualify
Students who have disabilities which substantially limit their participation in or access to school programs, but do not qualify for special education, may qualify for reasonable accommodations in the regular classroom under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Chapter 15 of the PA School Code. The rules, which apply to their education, are different from those for special education students who qualify as eligible students by meeting the two-part criteria listed above.
Special Education Evaluation
A Multidisciplinary Evaluation is completed by the Multidisciplinary team (MDT) to gather information to determine if a student qualifies for special education services. Students may be referred for an evaluation by the school or by parents through the guidance counselor. The school may not proceed with an evaluation without written parental permission unless approval is granted by an impartial hearing officer. The evaluation is conducted at no cost to the parents. The school psychologist evaluates a student and collects input from parents, the school and any other sources such as doctors or specialists if health problems or related services such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy will be considered. An Evaluation Report (ER) is completed and is utilized in developing an IEP should a student qualify. Once a student qualifies for special education services a reevaluation occurs at least every two years for students with mental retardation and every three years for students with other disabilities. The IEP team may waive, however, the mandated reevaluation if no additional information is needed. This option is not applicable for students with mental retardation.
Parental and Student Rights
A Procedural Safeguards Notice is provided to parents once a year except for initial evaluations, due process hearings or upon parent request. This notice describes the rights and procedures that safeguard students under state and federal law. A copy may be obtained upon request and questions and/or clarifications can be addressed by contacting Mrs. Susan Tesno at 570.345.2731 x325.
Special Education Programming
Special education programs for eligible students are provided by the Pine Grove Area School District to meet the needs of exceptional students in the district. Those needs may be met through a variety of programs available:
Additional Information
Anyone with questions regarding programs and/or services for eligible students with special needs or students who are thought to be exceptional may contact: Susan R. Tesno, Director of Special Education at the Pine Grove Area School District at 570.345.2731 x325.