Program for Students with Exceptionalities
At Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, we are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive range of services for students with exceptionalities.
Our mission is to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education tailored to their individual needs, fostering academic achievement as well as emotional and social growth. Through personalized support and a commitment to inclusivity, we strive to create a welcoming and empowering environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Curriculum
The Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School’s curriculum is designed as a chronological continuum that supports students in progressing from basic skills acquisition to higher-level thinking skills. This approach ensures that all students build a strong foundation while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they advance. By fostering this progression, we aim to equip students with the skills necessary for academic and personal success.
Instruction
At the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, teachers implement modifications and adaptations to provide effective instruction tailored to the diverse needs of all students in both general education and PSE classrooms. We maintain high expectations for all students with exceptionalities, ensuring that each individual is challenged and supported. Our instructional practices are grounded in data-driven decision-making, utilizing informal assessments and ongoing progress monitoring of students’ IEP goals to guide planning and instruction. This approach helps us to continuously meet and adapt to each student’s unique learning journey.
Collaboration
PSE teachers at the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School actively collaborate with students, families, school staff, and community members to promote academic and social success. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment where everyone’s input is valued, ensuring that each student receives the resources and guidance they need to thrive. By building strong partnerships, we create a holistic approach to education that addresses the diverse needs of our students and encourages their overall growth.
Intervention
The Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School is committed to fostering a collaborative partnership that ensures every child experiences the least restrictive environment from kindergarten through fifth grade. This team effort includes parents, general and special educators, counselors, administrators, outside consultants, and, when appropriate, the student themselves.We provide meaningful opportunities for students with moderate to mild disabilities to participate fully in the regular education setting, as determined by the IEP team. Our inclusive approach is designed to promote active engagement and support the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring each student receives the appropriate support to succeed.
These services include:
- Learning Support
- Emotional Support
- Autistic Support
- Speech & Language Support
- Vision Support
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Multi-Disability Support
- Gifted Support
Eligibility
This guide for parents of children receiving special education in Pennsylvania provides essential information on determining a child’s need for special education, developing their educational program, and outlining the responsibilities and protections available to parents and children. It also highlights resources for parents of children with disabilities. Updated to reflect the September 2018 Chapter 14 regulations, this guide ensures that families are informed and empowered to navigate the special education process effectively.
Programs
Learning Support
The Learning Support Program offers specially designed instruction for students who experience a significant disparity between their educational expectations and skills in areas such as oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, and mathematical reasoning.By addressing these specific areas of need, we aim to empower students to make meaningful progress and achieve their full academic potential in a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Emotional Support
The Emotional Support Program provides a structured, behaviorally-focused approach for students who need additional support in developing social-emotional skills. This program is designed for students who may experience challenges such as aggression, difficulty regulating emotions, or struggles with building positive relationships with peers and adults.Through the use of positive behavior intervention strategies, students receive consistent support in learning how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and engage appropriately in social settings. Our goal is to foster healthy relationships, build self-awareness, and create a foundation for long-term success both in and out of the classroom.
Autistic Support
The Autistic Support Program provides specially designed instruction for students who benefit from a highly structured learning environment with a strong emphasis on behavioral support and skill development. This program is tailored to meet the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum by focusing on functional academics, social skills, leisure activities, and daily living skills.Our goal is to provide students with the tools and support they need to grow, thrive, and achieve success both in and beyond the classroom.
Speech and Language Support
The Speech and Language Support Program offers specially designed support for students who face challenges in areas related to communication and language development. These services are essential for students who may experience difficulties with oral expression, listening comprehension, and other language-based skills that are critical to academic success.By targeting each student’s specific areas of need, we help bridge gaps in communication that can impact learning in reading, writing, and social interaction.
Vision Support
The Vision Support Program offers specially designed instruction and support for students with visual impairments that impact their ability to access the general education curriculum. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of students who may experience difficulty with reading, writing, visual organization, or navigating the classroom environment due to reduced vision or blindness.
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapy (OT) Services offers specially designed support for students who experience challenges that impact their ability to fully participate in school activities and meet academic expectations. These challenges may include difficulties with fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care routines, sensory processing, and attention or organizational skills. Occupational therapists work directly with students to develop the skills necessary for success in both the classroom and school environment.
Physical Therapy
Our Physical Therapy (PT) Services offers specially designed support for students who face challenges with movement and physical functioning that impact their ability to fully access and participate in the school environment. These services are essential for students who may experience difficulties with mobility, balance, coordination, strength, posture, or navigating school spaces safely and independently. A licensed physical therapist works with students to improve gross motor skills and physical independence through individualized interventions and school-based activities.
Multi-Disability Support
The Multi-Disabilities Support Program is designed for students with two or more disabilities of equal severity, requiring a highly individualized and comprehensive approach to learning. This program addresses a wide range of needs, including academic development, communication, physical functioning, and social interaction.Through specially designed instruction, students receive targeted support that promotes independence and improves their overall quality of life.
Gifted Support
The Gifted Education Program is dedicated to challenging and enriching the academic experiences of gifted students while nurturing their growth as engaged, thoughtful members of their communities. The program offers a range of enrichment opportunities and advanced learning experiences that encourage the development of independent learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and effective communicationThe program is designed to foster the intellectual and personal growth of gifted learners, ensuring they are equipped to excel in the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society.
Eligibility
This guide for parents of children receiving special education in Pennsylvania provides essential information on determining a child’s need for special education, developing their educational program, and outlining the responsibilities and protections available to parents and children. It also highlights resources for parents of children with disabilities. Updated to reflect the September 2018 Chapter 14 regulations, this guide ensures that families are informed and empowered to navigate the special education process effectively.
Special Education Evaluation Timeline
Step 1:
A parent or legal guardian requests a Permission to Evaluate to the Special Education Coordinator
Step 2:
The Special Education Coordinator sends the necessary paperwork and questionnaires to the parent or legal guardian for completion
Step 3:
Once the signed paperwork and completed questionnaires are returned, the school psychologist begins a 60-day period of testing and observation to assess whether the student qualifies for Special Education services.
Step 4:
After the 60-day period, the school psychologist provides a report to determine if the student is eligible for Special Education services.
Step 5:
If the student qualifies, the IEP team has 30 days to write an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Once the IEP is drafted, an IEP meeting is scheduled to finalize and review the plan.