The Resource Program at Albany Elementary offers a variety of services to students with learning disabilities. The services range from indirect monitoring of students to direct assistance with regular curriculum assignments, either through push-in or pull-out services. Curriculum may be taught in the Resource Room in the areas of reading, language, spelling, and math. Currently, two full-time certified, special education teachers and one instructional assistants serve the students Monday through Friday.
The special education referral process for possible services must start with a Response to Intervention (RtI) team meeting to discuss students who are experiencing difficulties in their classrooms. Recommendations from the team can range from accommodations in the classroom and in-house screening to referrals for psychological testing. Parents are involved in the entire process. Parents can also directly request psychological testing for their child; however, under special education law, the psychological testing cannot be used to determine whether a child is eligible for special education services.
State and federal guidelines are followed in qualifying students, and services are rendered based on those qualifying areas and the students' needs. An Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) is developed for each student who is enrolled in the program. If an individual needs additional services, such as counseling, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, those services are included in the plan and performed by trained professionals. An Annual Case Review is held every year to review progress, discuss existing needs, and write goals for the upcoming school year.