Special Education
Our schools freely and appropriately educate students identified with special needs/abilities in the least restrictive environment suitable for their individual needs in accordance with federal and state laws. We offer educational and support services in and out of the classroom that supports the academic, social, and developmental achievement of every student.
We are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of students whether they require functional academic support, a replacement curriculum, behavioral interventions, or social skills training.
Article IV
Special education is specially designed instruction, support, and services provided to students with an identified disability that requires an individually-designed instructional program to meet their unique learning needs.
At Moniteau, special education and related services are available to eligible students between the ages of three (3) and 21. These children must:
- have an identified disability that negatively affects their educational performance; and
- require a specially-designed instructional program.
To ensure students with disabilities experience success, our special educators work with general educators in the following capacities:
- Provide consultation regarding differentiated instructional strategies
- Co-teach
- Tutor
- Provide learning aids and other accommodations
- Provide pull-out services and replacement curriculums
Our specialists use various instructional techniques to provide accommodations and/or modifications that help meet student needs. An accommodation is a reasonable adjustment in teaching practices that allow students with disabilities to learn the same material but in a more accessible format. For example, we may accommodate a student with visual impairments by providing large-print textbooks. A modification changes or adapts curriculum to make it simpler. For example, we may modify a spelling assignment by only requiring a student with disabilities to learn five words instead of ten. Some students receive both accommodations and modifications according to their IEP.
Special Education Team
Maura Pry
Secretary for Special Education and Guidance
(724) 637-2091, ext. 1705
mpry@moniteau.org
Dustin Thompson
Coordinator of Student Support Services
(724) 637-2091, ext. 1450
dthompson@moniteau.org
Bridget Vissari
Psychologist
(724) 637-2117, ext. 3331
bvissari@moniteau.org