Back row: Ms. McMahon, Ms Stephens, Ms. Moore, Ms. Paterson, Ms. Brigance, Ms. Pughazhendi

Front row: Ms. Johnson, Ms. Martin,  Ms. Villarreal, Ms. Embry, Ms. Hentges, Ms. Lau

Old Settlers Elementary provides variety of instructional services in special education. The programs include Resource, Content Mastery, Bridging, PPCD, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Our goal is for the children to experience success, both academically as well as socially.

The Resource Classes are divided into two sections, grades K-2 and 3-5. Children are instructed in a small group setting, and this instruction is based upon each child's IEP goals/ objectives. The two teachers teach some of the same information in their resource rooms as the children would receive in their regular classrooms. The only difference being in the manner of instruction. Both teachers also teach certain reading and math programs to the children. In the K-2 classroom, both the Stevenson Reading Program and Semple Math Program are used. In the 3-5 classroom, the Stevenson, Herman, and Corrective Reading Programs are utilized, as well as Touch Point Math. The special education department works closely with students' classroom teachers by assisting with modification and monitoring student's' progress on a regular basis.

Our Content Mastery setting, or "Star Lab", is a split funded program servicing special education and regular education students. The purpose is to provide teaching of skills previously taught by the classroom teacher to students who have not yet mastered them. Typical student visits range from as little as 15-30 minutes once a week to as much as two times daily. Our goal is to achieve mastery of the skills in language arts, math , science, social studies, and study skills by means of individual or small group instruction. While our Star Lab teacher is in the CM classroom, our Star Lab paraprofessional does inclusion in the primary elementary classrooms. She assists the teachers, as well as students in need of extra help.

There is also a Bridging class. This class is designed to allow students to work at their own individual pace in a smaller, more structured environment. Bridging students work to improve social, daily living, and academic skill.

Our PPCD (Public Preschool for Children with Disabilities) class provides educational services for three, four, and five year old children with developmental delays. The delays may occur in one or more of five domains: cognitive, motor, communication, social, or self-help. The classroom provides a structured learning environment that promotes growth and success.

The two Speech Pathologists are responsible for the screening of speech/language skills in children from Pre-K to fifth grade. After children are identified that possibly have speech, language, voice or fluency disorders, they evaluate and develop treatment plans to fit each student's needs. Therapy is then implemented.

Occupational Therapy is conducted on a direct (pullout) basis or consult, depending upon the severity of the children's needs. Our Occupational Therapist consults with the students' classroom teachers as well as special education teachers. The students' progress is closely monitored and modifications, as well as ideas, are shared with the teachers to implement in their classrooms.

Collaboration between regular and special educators is an ongoing process. Together, we strive for the success of each child. Every child is a STAR here at Old Settlers Elementary.