Special Education
Contact Information
Easton Public Schools
50 Oliver Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-3208
Fax: (508) 238-3563
Special Education Director
Dr. Beverly Conte
Secretary Chris Rogers
Clerical Aide Susan Dray
The least restrictive setting outside the general education setting would be services in the Learning Center. Each school has at least one Learning Center. Services are provided by a special education teacher. In addition, the following programs have been developed in the district for students in need of a more restrictive placement.
K-2 Self-Contained Classroom (Intensive Special Needs)
The self-contained, full day K/2 program is designed to service children who are age-appropriate to be entering K, Grade 1 or Grade 2. Children are recommended for this program based on the needs of their current IEP. Many of these students have been diagnosed on the ASD Spectrum and other severe disabilities marked by significant communication, social, and/or cognitive delays. Children appropriate for this program cannot access the general curriculum as their age appropriate peers. They may be included for social purposes as determined by their Team. The special education teacher is responsible for the entire academic program. These children are those whose IEP services are provided outside the general education classroom for more than 60% of the time. Each child’s curriculum is tailored to meet his/her needs as outlined on the IEP, in accordance with the Frameworks set forth by the State of Massachusetts.
K-2 Partial Inclusion Classroom
This program services children with language delays and other disabilities that prevent full participation in the general education setting. Students will develop skills needed to participate in a full school day and access general education in the least restrictive environment. Inclusion opportunities will be provided to the maximum extent possible depending on the individual student. Children in the K-2 integrated program would receive special education services outside the general education classroom at least 21% of the time but no more than 60% of the time. Some academic areas may require modification. Children in this program are diagnosed with moderate disabilities.
There is a continuation of this Partial Inclusion Classroom in grades 3-5
Language-Based Classroom
These classrooms are established for students with language based learning disabilities.
Skills worked on in the classroom include: communication and pragmatic skills, academic skills with approaches accommodating the learning constraints of each student, compensatory strategies to be carried over to the classroom setting, enhancement of social/emotional development. These students are taught curriculum frameworks at the student’s instruction level. Some students are mainstreamed for certain classes, based on individual ability. Students in language-based classrooms receive small group instruction for ELA. Some received instruction in math also while others participate in inclusion classes.
Mission
All students have individual learning styles and learning profiles. We support the Instructional Support Team that connects special educators and regular educators. This process connects to eligibility determination and we believe it is an important educational obligation of regular and special educators. We believe that various evaluation procedures are necessary and must be consistent throughout the district. Students with disabilities, when given a program of specialized instruction, will meet their potential. We will work towards the understanding of respect, support, and appropriate education for all children with special needs in the community.
