Every summer, the Special Programs Director and a team of district representatives develop a comprehensive staff professional development plan to ensure that all special and general education staff are properly trained to educate special needs students. Training topics are chosen based on an annual staff needs survey, the administration’s review of the staff’s performance, the staff’s need to be updated on changes in laws and regulations, and on the special needs students’ performance.

Training is provided on at least two Superintendent’s Conference Days, and through in-service courses, teacher conferences and summer training opportunities. The trainers from HFM BOCES SETRC and the Special Education Training and Resource Center will deliver some of the programs. The Reading First project will require special education staff development in reading and assessment. The K-12 special education teachers will receive training in reading instruction through the district’s Reading First project.

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