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= SPECIAL NEEDS AT PSD =

This is a site to document the structure, function and future of programming for our special needs students. It is recognized that:

Special Needs isn’t …
 * ==== students who are easily described, or ====
 * ==== a homogeneous group of learners, or ====
 * ==== limited to Life Skills programming, or ====
 * ==== simply about academic achievement. ====

What does Special Needs encompass?
 * ==== It cuts across all languages at PSD - ASL, English, Spanish, etc. ====
 * It involves students across all levels of auditory functioning
 * Students across a wide range of cognitive functioning are special needs - MR/ID, Borderline, Average, Above Average
 * Special learning needs are impacted by mental health needs
 * A number of Speical Needs students also have significant medical involvement

Special Needs Programming is Compounded by …


 * ==== A student’s language delay ====
 * ==== Lack of early rich language access ====
 * ==== What we have learned from longitudinal research (Hart & Risley) ====
 * ==== Generational Poverty ====
 * ==== Prenatal care, etc. ====
 * ==== Early bonding ====
 * ==== Parenting across the child’s development ====
 * ==== Work habits/home support ====