Special Education

The Mohonasen Central School District prides itself on providing appropriate services to students and works to maintain communication between staff and parents. In that spirit, we encourage you to peruse the resources available to the right and contact any member of our staff for further assistance.

Non-Regents Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities

The State Education Department has ruled that the local diploma will be available to students with disabilities. These students must still take the five required Regents exams. However, if they fail to pass one or more exams, students with disabilities who score a 55-64 would then qualify for a local diploma. This “safety net” applies to any student who has been identified through the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or through documentation on a Section 504 by a Multidisciplinary Team. It is also available to students with disabilities who have been “declassified” in grades 8-12, if recommended and documented by a CSE.

On June 30, 2013, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Diploma sunsetted. As of July 1, 2014, students with disabilities may also qualify for two exiting credentials: the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential, or New York State Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential.

Transition Planning

All students age 15 and older who have a disability receive transitional planning as part of the annual review of the special education program. The student’s case manager, in consultation with the transition specialist, works annually with students and their families to address post-secondary education, employment and community living goals. As students move closer to graduation, a representative from Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES, formerly known as VESID) and other community-based services may be included in the process.

Web Resources

The Internet is a wonderful source of information for parents and students who want to learn more about a particular disability, find resources, network, etc. What follows are just a few good sites that address some of the most common disabilities among district students:

• The New York Autism ­Network
• Asperger Syndrome Education Network
• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
• National-Attention Deficit-Disorder Association
• Learning Disabilities
• Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation
• NYS Talking Book and Braille Library
• Vocational and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities
• Office of Special Ed. and Rehabilitative Services