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Special Education Basics

Youth Evaluation and Therapy:

Dr. Kathryn Keithly, MA, PPS,

LEP

Educational Psychologist

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Who am I?�������������What is a�Licensed Educational Psychologist?

  • Educational evaluation, diagnosis, and test interpretation limited to assessment of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors directly related to academic learning problems.
  • Counseling services for children or adults to help with learning problems and related behavior issues.
  • Please check out my website for more information on my practice: www.kmkpsych.com

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Copy Right: Dr. Kathryn Keithly 2017

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Myths

  • All low kids are Special Ed kids
  • All struggling students should have a full evaluation
  • Placement in SPED will solve learning and behavior problems
  • Speech therapy is all about articulation
  • Behavior problem = Special Ed
  • Every SPED student is eligible for the same services

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Myths, cont.

  • Inclusion Specialists, RSP teachers and Speech Therapists determine eligibility and services – team determines (Psychologist outline)
  • If a parent writes a letter requesting SPED evaluation, they will receive it: 15 days to respond. This starts the process. We will review.
  • It is easy to get Instructional Assistant services on an IEP

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What is the first thing to do if you have a concern?

  • 1. Get eyes test by an Ophthalmologist
  • 2. Get hearing testing at Audiologist
  • 3. Consult with Doctor - Need to rule out physical issues first
  • 4. Consult with teacher and school staff
  • 5. Set up a meeting with the school to discuss concerns

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What is an SST?

  • General Education function with multi-disciplinary team
  • Meet a broad range of student needs
  • Brainstorm a support system (interventions) for students having difficulty in the classroom
  • Generate classroom accommodations and/or intervention plans
  • 1st step in process for help
  • Parents and teachers can request an SST

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What is a 504 plan?

  • A 504 Plan is a formal plan developed by schools to provide accommodations and support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to education. It is named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination based on disability.

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**Key Features of a 504 Plan:**�

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1. **Eligibility:**

- A student qualifies for a 504 Plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, walking, seeing, or concentrating.

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2. **Purpose:**

- The plan aims to remove barriers to learning and provide students with the necessary accommodations to participate fully in school activities.

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3. **Accommodations:**

- Accommodations might include changes in the classroom environment, modified assignments, extended time on tests, assistive technology, or preferential seating.

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4. **Development Process:**

- A team, typically including teachers, school counselors, administrators, and the student's parents, collaboratively develops the plan based on the student's needs.

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5. **Implementation and Monitoring:**

- The school is responsible for implementing the plan and ensuring that accommodations are provided. The plan should be reviewed regularly and updated as needed.

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6. **Differences from an IEP:**

- Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and includes specialized instruction, a 504 Plan does not require the provision of special education services.

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A 504 Plan is an essential tool for supporting students with disabilities, allowing them to achieve academic success alongside their peers.

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Copy Right: Dr. Kathryn Keithly 2017

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Continuum of Services

Least Restrictive

Most Restrictive

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

General Ed.

Collaborative in General Ed.

RSP Collab.

Full Inclusion

S/L

Pull Out

RSP

Intensive Services

S/L

Special Day Class

County day class

Non-Public School

Residential Placement

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The process

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Questions

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Why is the Bell Curve important?

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Defining Eligibility

  • School psychologist interprets scores, collects data from IEP team members and determines eligibility
  • 13 eligibility categories:
    • AUT: Autism Spectrum Disorders
    • OHI: Other Health Impaired
    • SLI: Speech and Language Impaired
    • SLD: Specific Learning Disability
    • OI: Orthopedic Impaired
    • VI: Visually Impaired
    • ED: Emotionally Disturbed

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SPED services

  • Individualized Education Plan designed for specific student
  • No child has exactly the same services
  • Services may serve different purposes
  • Co-morbidity may exist between disabilities
  • Services determined by IEP team in accordance with District policy
  • Goals and accommodations written for students’ needs

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Questions

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References

  • San Mateo County Selpa
  • Understood.org
  • https://childmind.org
  • Special Education rights: https://courts.ca.gov/publication/special-education-rights-children-and-families

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Local Resources

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  • https://www.spinsc.org/

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Speaker Contact

Dr. Kathryn Keithly

Email:

Katy@kmkpsych.com

Website:

www.kmkpsych.com