Workshop 2Understanding Special

EducationContinuum of Services

Learning Team E:Yeida Chavez

Shemiah OwensMelissa VandenBussche

SPE/5139 May 2016

Claustina Mahon Reynolds

IntroductionO An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a

written detailed plan developed by a team for each pupil ages 3–21 who receives a special education; a management tool. This plan will help students learn in the same environment with his/her peers as much as possible. In this week’s workshop series we will cover:

O The Definition of Continuum Services available in an IEP

O Descriptive of each continuum of servicesO Examples of Continuum of servicesO Professionals who may provide services within each

continuum

Definition of Continuum of Services Available in an IEP

Continuum of Special Education ServicesThe continuum of special education services for school-age students with disabilities is an array of services to meet an individual student's needs that includes:

O A Traditional View of Service Delivery optionsO Regular classroom with modifications and supportive services

availableO Regular classroom plus resource room servicesO Part time special class (part-time regular classroom)O Full-time special classO Special day schoolO Residential SchoolO Homebound InstructionO Hospital and treatment centers

Descriptors of Each Continuum of Service

Examples of Continua of Services

Regular Education Classes/Inclusion

O Collaboration/consultation/co-teaching services focus on special educators (Intervention Specialists) and general educators working together to best meet the needs of students with disabilities as well as children who may be "at risk".

Individual/Small Group Setting (Tutoring)

O The Individual/Small Group Instruction program provides students with disabilities support that helps to increase their opportunity to benefit from regular class placement. This is supplemental instruction that focuses on targeted IEP goals and objectives.

Resource RoomO The Resource Room serves children

whose disabilities require intensive programming. Continued participation in the child's regular class activities is encouraged. The Resource Rooms offer an alternative/modified curriculum in a small group setting, which provides personalized options that are not offered in the general education program.

Separate Facility

O Separate facilities are, typically, schools outside of the district that are designed specifically for students with disabilities.

Home InstructionO Home instruction is an individualized

education program provided at home to a child with a disability that prevents the child from attending a regular or special program even with the aid of special transportation.

Institutions and Hospitals

Professionals Who May Provide Services Within Each Continuum

Regular Education Classes/Inclusion

1) Service provided and taught by regular education teacher and Special education teacher.

2) Other professionals may include a dedicated aide for a student who requires a 1:1 due to IEP requirements.

Individual/Small Group Setting (Tutoring)

1) In individual and small group settings services are provided by special education teacher.

2) Sometimes small groups are also taught in conjunction with a regular education teacher.

3) In small group settings there could also be peer tutors, paraprofessionals or dedicated aids.

4) Small group settings can include reading classes with services provided by reading specialists.

5) Individuals may receive service by Speech Pathologist for speech services.

6) Individuals may also receive service by Occupational Therapist for occupational needs related to motor skills.

7) Social workers often provide small group setting service.8) Psychologists provide individual psychological services.9) Art therapists provide individual art therapy services.

Resource Room1) In resource room settings services

are provided by special education teachers.

2) Speech pathologists and reading specialists may also be available throughout the day to offer additional support and services within the resource room. Paraprofessionals or dedicated aids may also be present to provide student support depending on IEP requirements.

Separate Facility1) In separate facilities services are provided by special education

teachers.2) Separate facilities also have dedicated aids for those students whose

IEPs require 1:1 support.3) Service Providers also include Speech Pathologists for speech and

language services as well as Occupational Therapists for occupational needs related to motor skills.

4) Social workers are also available to provide group service.5) Psychologists provide individual psychological services for students.6) Psychiatrists may also be available to provide services such as

writing prescriptions.7) Art therapists provide individual art therapy services for individual

students.8) Transition specialists provide services related to creating and

managing the transition plan for after high school.

Home Instruction

1) Home instruction services can be provided by a regular education or a special education teacher.

Institutions and Hospitals

1) Psychiatrists, Psychologists , Art therapists, doctors and nurses may provide services.

2) Depending on the type of facility special education teachers my be available for service.

ReferencesGargiulo, R. M. (2012).  Special Education in

Contemporary Society.  An Introduction to Exceptionality.  4thed.  Thousand

Oaks, CA:  SAGE Publications, Inc. Retrieved from https://phoenix.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781483321653/cfi/6/30

Ruhl, Kathy L. (2002). Teacher Education and Special Education. 2(1), 87.