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Parent Information

Below are links for training and information for several special education topics that will help our families be well-informed members of our students’ IEP teams. 
 

  • Extended School Year Services in Pennsylvania, PaTTAN Publication: Extended School Year (ESY) services are special education and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond the regular school year. Federal and state special regulations require that each local education agency (LEA) make available extended school year services to each eligible student whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) team has determined that ESY services are necessary for the child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

  • What Families Need to Know About Manifestation Determination, PaTTAN Publication: School staff are trained to understand how a student’s disability might affect their actions and to use strategies like calming techniques, positive behavior supports, and clear expectations and routines to help them be successful in school. Even with these strategies in place, a student’s behavior can lead to a disciplinary change in placement. When that happens, the school must conduct a manifestation determination meeting to determine whether the behavior was related to the student’s disability.
     
  • The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA): Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by Families, PaTTAN Publication: A resource intended for families and educational teams to assist in understanding information specific to the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment.
     
  • Student Led IEP Process For Families, PaTTAN Resource: With help from you and the school, your child can learn how to become part of their IEP process. Learning how to be part of, and eventually lead, their own IEP process is one of the best ways to help your child learn to self-advocate.
     
  • FAMILIES TO THE MAX: A Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network that promotes strengths-based perceptions about the abilities of children with diverse needs. Families and Educators collaborate to maximize high expectations, academic access, and learning for all students.
     
  • Engaging Youth and Families in Transition, PaTTAN Resource: Engaging youth and families in transition is essential for helping students with disabilities achieve successful futures. By involving both students and their families in the planning process, schools can create personalized transition plans that reflect each student's goals and interests. Open communication and collaboration ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same objectives. This engagement empowers students and families to take an active role in shaping their future and accessing the resources they need.