Schalmont's self-contained special education
programs consist of a variety of special classes. Special class
means a class consisting of students with disabilities who have
been grouped together because of similar individual needs for
the purpose of being provided specially designed instruction as
defined. These self-contained programs may be multi-aged and/or
multi-graded. Special classes, or self-contained programs, are
available to students with disabilities at Schalmont at
elementary, middle, and high school levels on campus as well as
out of the school district when appropriate (i.e. BOCES
placements or day treatment programs). Schalmont houses several
district sponsored self-contained programs. These include the
following programs:
Early Intervention Skills Class/
Primary Skills Class
These classes are designed for young
students with disabilities in the primary grades. This program
provides intensive development of language skills, social
skills, and other developmental skill areas in order to prepare
the student to achieve academic and social success. The teachers
of these classes are certified special education teachers. A
speech-language pathologist works intensively with students in
these programs to support the development of important
communication skills. Occupational therapy, physical therapy,
and school social work are also available to students as needed.
Students may be mainstreamed when recommended by the committee
on special education. A teaching assistant and classroom aides
support students within the program, during
special area classes (music, art, PE, or library) or in the
mainstream when appropriate. These classes currently are housed at
Jefferson Elementary School.
Challenge Program
The Challenge program is designed to provide special
education instruction to students with disabilities in the
intermediate elementary grades. Taught by a certified special
education teacher, this program provides students with academic
support through a modified curriculum in a smaller classroom
setting. Academic programs are streamlined to meet each
student’s academic and behavioral needs. Students are
mainstreamed into special area classes (art, music, PE, and
library) with general education classes. Mainstreaming or
auditing opportunities are also available to students as
appropriate and when designated on the student’s individual
education program. The Challenge program is supported by two
classroom aides as well as related services. It is currently
housed at Jefferson Elementary School.
Functional Skills Program
Housed at Schalmont Middle School, this program is designed
for middle school students with disabilities who benefit from a
smaller classroom setting and continue to require intensive
development of skills in order to succeed in core classes
(English, science, social students, and math). Students are
mainstreamed for special area classes with support when
necessary. Functional life skills and social skill instruction
are incorporated into this program. Related services are
available as needed.
Middle School Intermediate Skills
Classes
The Intermediate Skills Class provides special education
instruction to students with disabilities at grades 6 through 8
within self-contained English, social studies, and math classes.
Adult support is provided to students within the general
education science class. Students in this program also attend a
period of resource room for additional support.
Skills Development I
The Skills Development I (SD I) program is housed at the High
School and is designed to meet the needs of students with
significant learning issues. Students generally receive
instruction in self-contained classes for English, Math, Social
Studies, and Science. Resource room support is provided on an
as-needed basis. When appropriate, students are mainstreamed
with adult support in elective classes. Students participate in
a community work program at some point in their high school
career. Some students in this program attend Vo-Tec in their
Junior or Senior years to obtain vocational training. Social
work, Speech/Language Services, Occupational Therapy, and
Physical Therapy are provided as appropriate. Students in SDI
are on track to receive an Individual Education Program diploma.
Skills Development II
The Skills Development II (SD II) program is designed to meet
the needs of high school students with disabilities with
academic and behavioral concerns. Students are typically
self-contained for English, Math, Social Studies, and Resource.
Students are mainstreamed for Science class and electives with
the assistance of adult support. As the SD II program emphasizes
behavior management, supportive social work services are
provided to all students. Students in this program are working
towards achieving a regents or local diploma.
Alternative
Education
Community Transition Program
The Community Transition Program (CTP) is a collaboration of
the Schenectady ARC, Schalmont Central School District, and
Mohonasen Central School District. Students with disabilities
who are unable to meet success in a traditional high school
setting and who meet the program eligibility requirements may
enter the CTP. The program is designed to help students obtain
the Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or an IEP diploma.
Students are required to participate in employment experiences
at various work sites. The program is staffed with a special
education teacher, teaching assistant, job coach, and school
social worker.
IEP/GED
