SPECIAL EDUCATION

At Ticonderoga High School, support is available grades 9 through 12 for those classified students, students in declassification support services, and those receiving services under Section 504. This year, Special Education Services include a wide range of programs:

* Resource Rooms
* Special Classes
* Additional adult support in Regents level classes
* Testing modifications
* The Next Step Employment Program
* Job Coaching
* Community-based Training
* Related Services

RESOURCE ROOM
A resource room is a specially designed classroom staffed by certified special education teachers, who provide individual or small group instruction to qualifying students. The Ti High Resource Room program is designed to supplement the regular classroom instruction of students with disabilities. Each student receives no less than three hours of instruction per week.
The extent of service is dependent on individual need as specified in each student's IEP (Individual Education Program) or Section 504 plan. Students receive remedial instruction in specific skill deficit areas. In addition, supplemental help is provided to reinforce classroom learning. Progress in academic areas, socialization, and appropriate learning strategies are monitored by Resource Room personnel, and data is collected for presentation to the Committee on Special Education at annual and interim reviews.
The high school has a Building Evaluation Team that meets weekly to discuss the progress of students with disabilities and any other students teachers have concerns about. Referrals for assessment and evaluation of suspected disabilities may originate with professional staff, parents, and/or outside agencies. Appropriate social, emotional, physical, psychological and academic/achievement data are gathered. This data is reviewed by the Committee on Special Education and recommendations are then made to the Board of Education relative to the needs of classification, placement, program, and other related services.

SPECIAL CLASSES
The Ti High School Special classes are designed for students who need individualized instruction on their own skill level in a specific academic area. Instruction is prescribed in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each class is composed of students with similar needs in academic, social, and/or emotional areas. These classes are presently offered for students in the Next Step Employment Program. The rest of the day students follow a high school curriculum appropriate for their needs. This program conforms to the state and federal regulations and guidelines.
Ti High School also operates a program that is designed to service developmentally delayed students ages 14-21. The program focuses on developing functional life skills, daily living skills, prevocational skills, and employment skills. Instruction is individualized to meet the student's personal needs and prepares students for state testing of the standards through competency tests.
The Next Step Employment Program allows students the opportunity to develop employment skills in community work sites under the direction of an employment specialist and job coaches. Students also receive Community-Based Training where they have the opportunity to experience the resources of the community. Banking, money management, shopping and other life skills are developed in this program. The goal is for students to graduate and have employment in unsubsidized work to the fullest extent as possible.

RELATED SERVICES
Speech therapy, physical therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, consultant services of a teacher of the deaf and a teacher of the visually impaired, as well as an assistive technology coordinator are also available services offered in the high school. Students are evaluated and those in need are recommended to receive these services according to state regulations.