East Stroudsburg Area School District

Special Education

The education of children with disabilities is one of the most important responsibilities of public schools. Before initial special education services can be provided to a student at East Stroudsburg Area School District, an evaluation of the student must be administered. This involves the use of educational diagnosticians, certified school psychologists and others with expertise in the suspected area of disability. A typed report is prepared pulling together all the relevant information and is shared with the parents/guardians, usually at a school-based meeting.

Students found eligible for special education are provided a free, appropriate public education and are entitled to receive specialized instruction, which could include modifications to the content of the regular education curriculum, or modifications in the manner in which the curriculum is provided. For example, for severely involved children, this can mean the teaching of basic living skills such as toileting, dressing and feeding, that other children bring with them to school. Other students may need the regular education curriculum adapted or modified in its approach in order to take into account varied learning needs.

Eligible students are also entitled to the related services necessary for them to benefit from their instructional program. Related services can include transportation to and from school, as well as such developmental, corrective and other supportive services as may be needed by the student. Included also are physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as supports such as counseling, health services, and specialized physical education. Additional personnel, as deemed appropriate, may also be part of a student's program.

The elements of each student's program are spelled out in a document called an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), developed at a meeting involving the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), the student's teacher and others who will be providing services, and individuals familiar with the student. The IEP must describe annual goals and provide for a means of measuring the student's progress on a regular basis.

The School District emphasizes a team approach to the education of all students, regardless of need. Should a parent/guardian have a concern regarding the education of a student with a disability, he/she is encouraged to meet with the team of individuals involved in the education of his/her child in order to answer any questions and/or resolve any areas of concern or dispute. Formal due process hearing procedures can also be used to resolve disputes between the family and school officials regarding the evaluation, program or placement of the student.

For more information, please contact the East Stroudsburg Area School District's
Special Education Office at (570) 424-8500 extension 1901

Pennsylvania school districts shall not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodation, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 may be obtained by contacting Mrs. Patricia Baughman, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, at the Administration Office, East Stroudsburg Area School District, North Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301 or call (570) 424-8500.