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Key Terms Explained
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How is special education defined in New York State (NYS)?Special education means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special services or programs and special transportation, provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. 1) Such instruction includes but is not limited to that conducted in classrooms, homes, hospitals, institutions and in other settings. 2) Such instruction includes specially designed instruction in physical education, including adapted physical education.
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What is specially designed instruction?Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible student, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs 4 that result from the student's disability; and to ensure access of the student to the general curriculum, so that he or she can meet the educational standards that apply to all students.
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What special education services and programs are included in NYS' continuum of services?The continuum of special education services for school-age students with disabilities is an array of services to meet an individual student's needs that includes: o consultant teacher services (direct and/or indirect); o resource room services; o related services; o integrated co-teaching services; and o special class.
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What is meant by "program modifications, accommodations, supplementary aids and services"?The terms program modifications, accommodations and supplementary aids and services are often used interchangeably and are documented together in the same section of the IEP, but they have different meanings requiring different considerations in the development of recommendations for individual students.

Pupil Personnel Services plays a vital role in supporting the whole child by addressing the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. This team— including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and support staff—works collaboratively with families, teachers, and administrators to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support necessary to succeed.
Shannon Murray
David Alfano