I.D.E.A.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT
I.D.E.A. seeks to insure that students with disabilities have access
to school programs and demonstrate increased achievement. They are
encouraged to move in greater numbers toward education in the least restrictive
environment. Additionally, the roles of parents and general education
teachers in IEP development is expanded. The general
education curriculum is the foundation upon which the I.E.P. is built,
and the mainstream classroom with supplementary aids and services is the
first consideration for students with disabilities.
The I.D.E.A. funding is used to support staff development
to increase the ability of Midwood's faculty and staff to better serve
our students. Infusing technology into the New Standards and the
upcoming Regents preparation is emphasized in these sessions.
Within the context of
I.D.E.A. at Midwood,
we have launched the
following initiatives:
Integrated Instruction
In the Spring l999 semester, two integrated English classes have
been created. Co-teaching features a special education teacher and
a general education teacher sharing strategies for academic success in
the least restrictive environment.
New English Language Arts Standards An interdisciplinary staff
development team has been formed to develop materials, identify strategies,
and provide training to prepare teachers and their students for the upcoming
English Regents.
Science Labs General education teachers have been assigned to
teach required science labs for special education students. This
provides a parallel hands-on lab experience taught by licensed science
teachers.
At Risk The guidance department has created an after school family
intervention counseling program for students with academic, attendance,
and/or social/emotional issues. The program serves the entire Midwood
population.