The Department of Special Education provides support for students with disabilities, parents, principals and school staff in the evaluation, identfication, program and placement process. The district through its Special Education Department provides a continuum of services for students with disabilities, preschool through high school, found eligible to receive special education services.

Gaskin Case

On December 21, 2004, counsel for parties in the Gaskin case signed a provisional settlement agreement in this class action lawsuit, which was filed in June 1994.  Under this agreement, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will undertake a series of reforms in special education processes and procedures including data collection, compliance monitoring, plan approval, IEP format and complaint resolution. Read more about this by clicking on the link to the Pennsylvania Department of Education website below...

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/cwp/view.asp?a=177&Q=109539

Procedural Safeguards Letter and The Procedural Safeguards Notice

The Procedural Safeguards Letter and The Procedural Safeguards Notice are from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. They reflect the new mandates of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA '04;PL108-446; USC§1400 et seq). These mandates are effective of July 1, 2005.  Any federal or state regulations not impacted by a mandate of the IDEA'04 remains in effect until the provision is changed by revised federal and state regulations implementing the IDEA'04. This document will be amended following issuance of revised federal regulation and revised state regulations implementing the IDEA'04.  Click on the links below to download a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Letter and The Procedural Safeguards Notice.

Read this first... Procedural Safeguards Letter

Click here to download the PDE Procedural Safeguards Notice