Sonia Still - Dept. Head Lucy Chaves-Horvath Deborah Diamond Martin DeFilippo Brian Peterson Carol Tani

The goal of the Special Education program is to assist our students in becoming informed, responsible, independent workers and adults. This goal is accomplished through a team effort whereby students, parents, special education teachers and regular education teachers plan an individual educational program (IEP) to meet each student's learning needs. This is done at a Planning & Placement Team (PPT) meeting.

All Special Education students at Henry Abbott Tech are fully integrated into mainstream academic and shop classes. Special Education provides collaborative consultation, co-teaching and strategic instruction within this setting.

Remediation, strategic tutoring instruction and academic enhancement are provided to all students during the shop cycle in the language arts and math labs. These labs are staffed by a Strategic Learning Team (SLT). This Team is comprised of special education, reading and regular education teachers.

A key to success in high school is good self advocacy skills. All students are encouraged to seek help from teachers during study hall and after school. In addition academic support is available throughout the day in the strategic learning center and math and language arts labs. Students are encouraged to use these resources for tutoring or help in any area of academics where support is needed.

The Special Education Department offers a club “Prep for Success” for any interested students. The goal of the club is to provide study and organizational skills, as well as self advocacy, career preparation and social skills. This club includes field trips, guest speakers and a time for socialization.