Integrated
classrooms
Integration offers students
with learning disabilities an opportunity to receive
instruction in a regulated educational setting. These
classes provide additional support not only for Special
Education students, but also for regular education
students, as well.
Resource Room The Resource Room is a Special Education program for
pupils with a handicapping condition who are registered
in a regular class but are in need of specialized
supplementary instruction in an individual or small
group setting. The Committee for Special Education makes
the decisions regarding these services.
Remedial Program The Remedial Program offers children remedial help in
reading and math. Children are placed in the program on
the basis of the previous year's standardized test
scores and/or results of New York State tests.
English as a Second
Language (ESL)
An ESL program is
available to those students determined to be non-English
speaking or to those with a limited knowledge of
English. The ESL program is designed to develop the four
language skills: listening, comprehension, reading, and
writing according to the guidelines set forth by the NYS
Education Department. Students meet in small groups with
a certified ESL teacher.
Psychological services
Psychological
services emphasize prevention and early identification
of special needs children within the district. The
psychologist's recommendations are based on classroom
observations and consultations with parents, teachers,
health professionals, and administrators, as needed.
Tests of general intelligence, perception, specific
abilities, and educational achievement are also utilized
to facilitate appropriate educational recommendations.
Classroom teachers, parents, and other school personnel
may refer a child they suspect to have a special need by
notifying the principal.
Speech and services
for the Hearing Impaired The services of a speech therapist are available for
those students who have been identified as having speech
and/or hearing problems. The Committee for Special
Education makes the decisions regarding these services.
School Social Worker Full-time social worker services are available for
short-term student contacts. Students may be referred by
parents and teachers. Parent permission is required.
Community garden The community garden is a cooperative effort between the
school, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, the city
of Albany, the Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Association,
the Second Avenue Neighborhood Association, and other
community businesses. The purpose of the garden is to
create an outdoor classroom where students can explore
topics related to science and their environment. The
"Friendship Garden" has become a great center of school
and community pride.
