SPECIAL EDUCATION & 504

Our Learning Center is a resource for all. Students entering GSA with identified special education services or 504 plans spend their first semester study halls here in order to receive direct instruction or to help get their accommodations met. The level of academic support is reviewed each year by the annual IEP/504 team. The Learning Center is also where we serve students with special education needs, like mild to moderate learning differences, attention issues, and executive functioning difficulties.

In math, GSA’s entry-level course is pre-algebra, but students who come in with very basic math skills can be supported with one-on-one work during Ninth-Grade Seminar or study hall. The pre-algebra course is co-taught by a math teacher and a teacher with special education training, with pull-out support as needed. Some students need individualized learning and instruction. If the IEP team deems it necessary for a modified class to cater to a students needs this will be taught by the Special education teacher along with the support and guidance of the classroom teacher.

A similar structure is offered to freshmen in the English Foundations course. GSA provides pull-out reading instruction, and special education teachers work with students to reinforce skills and work toward IEP goals.

In conjunction with the student’s IEP, the special education teacher oversees course accommodations and provides suggestions to teachers and students for modifying course work to ensure student learning success. Those students with extreme deficits in reading, mathematics, or other areas may work with the special education teacher and/or an education technician to improve their skills through an alternative course contract.

An education technician hired by the sending town may work with a student as needed. The education technician may accompany the student to some or all classes and work with the student in the Learning Center under the supervision of the special education teacher, and in accordance with the student’s IEP.

The RISE Program at GSA serves students who need extra academic, social, emotional, or behavioral support throughout their school day. Students receive one-on-one specialized instruction in a dedicated classroom, plus support in their other classes.

What makes RISE work: Students feel they belong. They grow more independent. They build the skills they need for life beyond high school.

The program focuses on four key areas:

• Academic skills

• Daily life skills

• Social and emotional skills

• Executive functioning (planning, organizing, decision-making)

How we do it: RISE educators help students discover their strengths and career interests through hands-on practice. We give students tools and strategies that work for them. We stay in close contact with families, therapists, and education teams to coordinate support and plan for each student's future after graduation.

Our goal: help students make confident choices at school and become active members of their communities—now and in the years ahead.

Standardized Tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and AP are administered with appropriate accommodations as approved by the College Board.

Transition Plans: Times of transition can be especially challenging for students with special educational needs. GSA special education teachers are available to participate in the development of IEPs for eighth-grade students transitioning to the high school and for students at other times of transition (e.g., graduation).

Learning Space for Speech Services and Occupational Therapy is provided by GSA when the school union provides the necessary specialist.