Special Education

Through our Children First reforms, we have placed unprecedented focus on students with disabilities. Historically high numbers of students with disabilities are being educated in the least restrictive environment. That means they are spending the majority of the school day alongside their non-disabled peers. The number of students with disabilities in collaborative team teaching classes, an inclusive setting, has more than doubled since the Mayor and the Chancellor announced reforms to special education in spring, 2003 and standardized test scores for students with disabilities have improved annually.

In New York City, we provide a full array of special education services as described in our Continuum of Special Education Services. These services include interventions and strategies in the general education environment for struggling students. They also include more intensive services provided in self-contained special education classes in community schools and District 75 specialized schools and New York State approved non-public schools when necessary.

Each student who is recommended for special education is evaluated at their school by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, which is comprised of school staff and a student’s parents. If the team determines that a child has a disability that requires special education services, we will work to make certain that the child is provided with what he or she needs to succeed. This process is overseen by the principal and the school-based IEP team. For children who are not attending public schools, this process is overseen by the committee on special education office.

If you suspect that your child has a disability, please contact your principal or teacher.

To learn more about District 75, please click here.