Due Process

Due Process is a series of steps to assure students of a free, appropriate public education. A parent/guardian should participate in each decision that affects the student’s education program. No changes are ever made without the knowledge or consent of a parent/guardian. A parent/guardian has the right to disagree with the decisions. These decisions may be reviewed in a pre-hearing conference, mediation, or due process hearing with school district and IU #5 personnel.  

Emotional Support

Programs are available for students who have had long-term, significant behavior problems which cannot be explained by intellectual or health factors; problems building relationships with other students and teachers; or behavior problems indicating unhappiness or depression. The goal of the ES program is to teach skills that support positive behavior, which will permit the students to re-enter the regular classroom programs and to be successful with everyday situations.  

Learning Support

Programs are available for students who show weakness in reasoning, thinking, reading, writing, spelling, or math skills, but are of average or above average intelligence. The student may be eligible for itinerant, resource, part-time, or full-time Learning Support services based on the needs.  

Gaskin v. Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) 

A lawsuit resulting in mandated changes in some special educational services.  As part of the court settlement, PDE is requiring all school districts to share the Notice of Proposed Settlement (Notice) to the parents of students receiving special education services. A copy of this Notice is now posted in each school building.  Parents may access the Notice on the following websites:

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/cwp/view.asp?a=177&Q=109539

http://www.pilcop.org