The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multidisciplinary team of school professionals and parents whose membership is appointed by the Board of Education and are responsible for the identification and recommendation of appropriate programs for all students, ages 5-21, who qualify for special education services.

 If a parent is interested in a referral to the CSE or has concerns that may warrant assessment of student progress, they are encouraged to first discuss concerns with their child’s teacher, building principal and school psychologist. Each building has a Child Study Team (CST) that should first address student needs.  This process is required by law, and is often more meaningful to the students’ immediate needs.

Special Education Services

The CSE strives to educate students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to the greatest extent possible with appropriate supports.

 All special education determinations are made by the Committee on Special Education, which includes parents, teachers, and support staff. The CSE creates an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each school-age child with a disability on an annual basis.

 The IEP includes information about the unique learning needs of the student, such as learning rate, levels of social and physical development as well as management needs. The IEP document also includes annual services and/or placement to address academic, social and other areas of the student’s educational development. This will serve as a curriculum plan of action and a source of evaluation for the student’s progress throughout the entire school year.  Additionally, there is a focus on long-term planning and post-secondary outcomes as students turn 15 years of age.