Snoqualmie Middle School
Program Model
The Special Education Programs at Snoqualmie Middle School vary to meet the needs of students. One special education teacher and at least one paraprofessional are assigned to each grade level to support students within their classes. There are six different types of services offered to accommodate students. These services are determined by an Individual Education Program (IEP) team and through consultation with a general education teacher regarding concerns that he or she may have regarding a specific student. Services are delivered by both the special education consulting teacher and one of our team of paraprofessionals, or, in some cases, the general education teacher. The special education teacher manages the IEP for each identified student and supervises the delivery of services. Parents are part of the decision making process about the appropriate service model for their child.
Programs Offered
Consultation: In keeping with the philosophy of inclusion, students are served within a mainstream classroom setting as much as possible. The special education teacher consults with the general education teacher on curriculum modifications, accommodations regarding tests and assignments, and strategies that will meet a student’s needs and IEP goals. The student may also periodically meet with the special education teacher to take tests, work on assigned projects and assignments, or to use a quiet setting to reflect and study. In general, the special education student is integrated into the general education program with his or her peers as much as possible.
Team Teaching: If a grade level team feels that there is a need, the special education teacher will team with a general education teacher to deliver the general education curriculum to a group of students with IEP’s. This pairing allows each teacher to collaborate for the purpose of making curriculum adaptations. This situation also allows both teachers the opportunity to focus on individual students, which helps to ensure better understanding and insight into each student’s needs. Together, both teachers plan lessons and activities around techniques that are effective with students who have learning disabilities. Team teaching also allows each teacher more time to work with students who need assistance.
Small Group Instruction for Qualifying Areas: In some cases, the special education teacher, in his or her classroom, works with a small group of students who need alternative direct instruction. This classroom is for students who need specialized instruction in qualifying areas. In this environment, the special education teacher employs a variety of strategies and materials that often parallel general education curriculum for that grade level. Students’ IEP goals and objectives are the main focus in these smaller classrooms.
