Special Education

Special Education Program Principles

At Bethlehem Central ...

We provide special education services that meet the individual needs of the child, are developmentally appropriate and strength-based. These services are planned in collaboration with all the child-serving systems involved in the child's life and are provided in a supportive learning environment.

We recognize that the child’s family is the primary support system for the child and participates in all stages of the decision-making and planning process.

We recognize and respect the behavior, ideas, attitudes, values, beliefs, customs, language, rituals, ceremonies and practices characteristic of the child's and family's ethnic group.

We will bring special education expertise to the student in the general education learning environment to the greatest extent possible.

All special education instruction will be based on the New York State learning standards.

Student data will be used to inform and improve instruction.

Related services provided to special education students will be educationally relevant, evidence-based and will support the student’s learning. These services will be provided to the student in a manner that is least disruptive to the child’s learning.

Special education services and supports will be based on peer-reviewed research and will be evaluated regularly to ensure that they continuously improve.

Revised December 4, 2004