quality services and support to students with disabilities. Our commitment ... based strategies and resources, we are ab
Services for Exceptional Children The mission of the Services for Exceptional Children (SEC) is to provide leadership and support that promotes achievement for students with disabilities. Fulton County Schools' Exceptional Children/Special Education Department is proud of the reputation we have for providing high quality services and support to students with disabilities. Our commitment to our stakeholders shows in our willingness to work collaboratively with families to enable students to reach their full academic potential. Through the utilization of appropriate research based strategies and resources, we are able to provide a full continuum of services and develop programs that will meet the unique educational needs of children with disabilities.
FCS Services for Exceptional Children
We have a specific focus on closing the achievement gap for students with disabilities. We support schools in meeting Fulton County’s 2017 strategic goals of: 90% Graduation Rate 85% College Ready 100% Career Ready Contact Information: Services for Exceptional Children 6201 Powers Ferry Road Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Telephone: 470-254-0400 servicesforexceptionalchild
[email protected]
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Fulton County Schools serves over 9,800 students with disabilities. Fulton County Schools employs over 1,900 teachers, paraprofessionals and other special education staff including Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Instructional Support Teachers, Special Education Nurses, Assistive Technology Specialists, and Behavior Interventionists. Classes for specialized programs including preschool special education, autism, and intellectual disabilities provided in every learning community Graduation rates for students with disabilities saw a growth trend of 2.9% from 2013 to 2014. Inclusion of students with disabilities into general education settings have increased 9.55% from 2010 to 2014. Fulton County Schools has 8 Project Search/LIFE corporate classroom locations at area businesses and hospitals teaching job skills to students with intellectual disabilities. After completing the program, students are placed in permanent jobs at a rate of 90%. By 2017-18, all Fulton County School high schools will offer programs for students with intellectual disabilities including community based instruction opportunities. Preschool diagnostic team completes over 500 evaluations per year. There has been a 33% reduction of out of school suspension days for students with disabilities from 2013 to 2014. Fulton County Schools has a strong Special Olympics program with over 500 student athletes participating in Bowling each fall and Track and Field each spring. Fulton County Schools often has the largest contingency represented at the State Special Olympic Games. The SEC Department hosts an annual Parent University with multiple sessions to support parents and provide connections with outside agencies and support groups The SEC Department provides training to administrators, teachers and support staff on a variety of topics each school year such as Co-Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Behavior Supports, and Assistive Technology.
SEC Learning Community Coordinators
Learning Community Coordinators provide leadership and support for the implementation of instructional programs and support services to ensure positive student outcomes. They collaborate with school staff, parents, and other service providers to address the needs of students with disabilities so that they reach their post-secondary college and career goals. Learning Community Coordinators support schools and students by: •
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Ensuring that there is collaboration between the instructional Support Teacher (IST) and staff in schools including teachers, counselors, curriculum support teachers, graduation coaches, and administrators. Working with school teams to ensure students are served in the Least Restrictive Environment, encouraging participation with general education peers as much as possible. Participating in IEP meetings to support school teams and families in making decisions to support each student’s achievement. Promoting professional growth by providing professional learning opportunities at both the district and school levels. Participating with administrative teams to develop and implement the school’s strategic plan related to students with disabilities by identifying initiatives and collecting data. Assisting in conducting program evaluations in schools and making recommendations for improvement.
SEC Program Coordinators
Program Coordinators are responsible for district-wide decision making that supports specific educational programing for students with disabilities. Coordinators ensure that program planning is research based and supports instructional rigor, provides specific training and supports for staff. These programs include: •
Intellectual Disabilities
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Autism Preschool
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Speech & Language Low Incidence programs (Deaf/Hard of Hearing; Vision Impairments; Orthopedic Impairments)
Hospital/Homebound Services
Hospital Homebound instruction is an alternative method of instruction for students who are expected to be out of school for 10 consecutive school days or longer due to a physical or mental condition. The intent of homebound instruction is to keep students connected to the school based curriculum until they return to the classroom setting.
Transition Services
The Service for Exceptional Children (SEC) Transition Services Program provides students, who have intellectual disabilities, with a vocational/career assessment, vocational counseling, transition planning, and/or post-secondary planning. Transition Services also supports the special education teacher in the prevocational and vocational areas of the curriculum. These services are provided on a pull-out basis within the high school, during the time the student is scheduled for a class with special education support.
LIFE/Project Search
The LIFE program at Fulton County Schools is a 1-3 year transition program that is designed for students with intellectual disabilities ages 18-22, who have completed four years of high school, and will benefit from career exploration and intensive vocational training, to support their ultimate goal of employment. Students should have prior vocational training experience from the Community Based Vocational Training Program, or other work experience. The three primary components of this program are: (1) Customized Career Exploration – work experiences will be designed for each student based on their strengths, abilities, and interests, (2) Skill Development – students will build skills in communication, employability, and problem solving, along with job specific skills. The students will utilize these skills to become independent in a supported employment environment, and (3) Outcome of Employment – work experiences will provide situational assessment information to the student, families, and team members in order to make realistic career choices that lead to meaningful employment.
6201 Powers Ferry Road • Atlanta, Georgia 30339 • 470-254-4940 www.fultonschools.org Equal opportunity employer and service provider. Reasonable accommodations and modifications made for disabled. 404-763-4585 TTY 1-800-255-0135
