Pupil Services

Director of Special Education
Ms. Desiree Burns
412-429-2500 x3310
Fax: 412-429-2504
desiree.burns@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Director of Student Services & District Psychologist
Dr. Patricia Serdy
412-429-2500 x3309
Fax: 412-429-2504
patricia.serdy@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Rebecca Braithwaite
School Psychologist, Crafton
412-429-2500, ext. 1110
FAX: 412-429-2504
rebecca.braithwaite@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Megan Thomas
Pupil Services Secretary
412-429-2500, ext. 1112
FAX: 412-429-2504
megan.thomas@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Rena Taylor
Special Education Secretary
412-429-2500, ext. 1132
FAX: 412-429-2504
rena.taylor@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Sharon Stengel
Access Coordinator
412-429-2500, ext. 1131
FAX: 412-429-2504
sharon.stengel@carlynton.k12.pa.us

The Special Education and Student Services Department leads all student support and services in the Carlynton School District including special education, English as a second language instruction, gifted education, psychological services, mental health services, health services, homebound instruction and support for homeless students.

The staff of the Special Education and Student Services Department, in collaboration with district faculty, work to ensure high quality student supports and instructional programs that are focused on improving student achievement and comply with federal and state mandates.

Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education

Bullying Prevention Resources

The district has adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Specific questions may be directed towards your building principal.

“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” - Dr. Dan Olweus

School-wide Rules about Bullying:

We We will not bully others.
We We will help students who are bullied.
We We will include students who are left out.
We If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and We an adult at home

The Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Toolkit

Additional Parent Tips - What To Do:

Helpful bullying Prevention Resources

Change In Age Of Eligibility for FAPE

Child Find Notice

English As A Second Language

English as a Second Language

The ESL program is designed to provide non-native English-speaking students with the language skills they need to participate effectively in content area classes. In order to achieve this, ESL instruction addresses the ESL and Pennsylvania Academic Standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening to facilitate participation. Another primary objective is to provide a source of support as the student seeks to understand and adapt to the new cultural and academic setting. ESL is a contracted service through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Responses to a Home Language Survey, given to the family upon registration, determine if an evaluation will be requested. Results of the evaluation, determine if services will be provided. The program helps to ensure the student’s full access to the range of educational opportunities available in the school.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to Bureau of Special Education if it anticipates that more than 1.0 percent of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Carlynton School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2020-2021 school year testing cycle. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions on the Carlynton School District participation rates should be directed to Desiree Burns.

Gifted Education Services

Referrals for Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) can be made by the student's teacher or parent. Parents may, in writing, request a GMDE once per school year.

As a first step in District screening, the Intervention Planning Team (IPT) reviews group-based data to determine students who may display gifted characteristics. The second step is a more intense review of various student performance data, such as standardized and criterion referenced test results, curriculum-based assessments and rating scales as well as parent information that compare the potentially gifted student with the normal peer population. After this more intense review, and after signed parent permission is received by the District, students who are thought to be gifted are referred for a GMDE that includes an IQ test and valid measures to assess academic functioning, learning strengths, and educational needs. After the GMDE is completed, a Gifted Written Report (GWR) is compiled that recommends whether a student is gifted and is in need of specially designed instruction. Then, a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) team meeting is convened to determine whether the student is gifted. If the student is deemed to be mentally gifted, a GIEP is developed. Finally, a Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA) is presented to the parents.

The Gifted Support program challenges students in non-conventional areas. Extensive work in problem solving is introduced, coupled with creativity. The classroom provides an intellectual outlet for students with numerous enrichment activities and challenges to engage critical-thinking skills. Students in the gifted education program are encouraged to compete in area competitions such as the Invention Convention, Future Problem Solving, Calcu-solve, Carnegie Science Center Science Bowl, The Literature Festival and the University of Pittsburgh's Model United Nations.

As part of the Gifted Education comprehensive plan, the department will follow the framework of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).

Carlynton’s Gifted Education Program is comprised of various goals and objectives to address the areas of strength and need of a student as acknowledged in the Gifted Written Report and Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP). These programs reflect individual differences, equal educational opportunity and a desire for the optimal development of every child. Students may have the opportunity to select differentiated options within the core curriculum, competitions, career exploration, and Advanced Placement classes.

Gifted students receive the conceptual framework of continuous progress through the district’s mainstream curriculum. This curriculum includes alternatives to provide opportunities for different types of learning styles. The central consideration for the education of gifted students is to provide appropriate educational opportunities commensurate with capabilities. A high level of challenge is provided in the classroom environment. This system of delivery meets the needs of gifted learners and also addresses the learning needs of high achieving students who attend our schools.

Links to Resources

Gifted Education Website

K-12 Guidance Plan

Services for Protected Handicapped Students (Chapter 15)

Equal Opportunities for Handicapped Students
In compliance with state and federal law, the Carlynton School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

For further information, on the Gifted evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Director of Special Education and Student Services at 412-429-2500, ext. 3309.

Special Education Remote Plan

Special Education Plan

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

What is SAP? The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program (SAP), which is administered by the PA Department of Education’s Division of School Options and Safety in partnership with the PA Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the PA Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success.

Student Records Policy

Support for Homeless Families

Support for Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness (McKinney-Vento Act)

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live.

A student is considered homeless if they:

Live with friends or relatives because they lost housing or cannot afford rent,
Stay in a shelter, hotel, or motel,
Sleep in a car, park, campground, or other place not meant for people to live, or
Live in any unstable or temporary situation.

Unaccompanied Youth
An unaccompanied youth is a student who meets the definition of homelessness but is not living with a parent or guardian. These students have the same rights and protections as all other students under McKinney-Vento.

Educational Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness
Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Enroll in school immediately, even without normally required documents such as proof of residence, immunizations, or school records.
Continue attending their school of origin (the school they last attended when permanently housed) if it is in their best interest, or enroll in the school serving their current address.
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
Participate fully in all school activities and programs, including meals, athletics, and extracurricular events.
Receive the same opportunities and support as all other students.
Remain enrolled and receive services while any enrollment disputes are being resolved.

Who to Contact for Help
If you believe your family or child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, please contact:

Carlynton School District Homeless Liaison
Name: Bethany Mudd
Title: Home and School Visitor / Homeless Liaison
Phone: 412-429-2500 x2918
Email: Bethany.mudd@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Regional ECYEH Coordinator – Allegheny County (Region 4)
Nicole Anderson
Phone: 412-394-5894
Email: nicole.anderson@aiu3.net
Website: https://www.aiu3.net/students-and-families/student-programs-and-services/education-for-children-youth-experiencing-homelessness/

The Homeless Liaison and ECYEH Coordinator can help you enroll your child in school, arrange transportation, access resources, and make sure your child’s education continues without interruption.

More Information

Carlynton School District Board Policy #251 – Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care, and Other Educational Instability: Carlynton SD Board Policy 251
Basic Education Circular (BEC): Education for Homeless Youth (22 Pa. Code §11.18): BEC- Education for Homeless Youth

Resources:

Housing Resources	Description	Website	Phone Number
Allegheny LINK	Allegheny Link assists households in connecting with shelters and/or housing services within Allegheny County.	https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Housing/Allegheny-Link	866-730-2368
Neighborhood Legal Services	Neighborhood Legal Services provides a variety of levels of services on legal issues to help resolve issues for low-income and vulnerable individuals	https://nlsa.us/	866-761-6572
Chartiers Valley Service Center	Chartiers Valley Service Center provides Rental assistance: provides partial payment for qualifying renters with an eviction notice	https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/chartiers-valley/	412-276-4757
211 Hotline	211 Hotline is a national network that connects people with local health and human service resources within/near their zip code	https://www.pa211.org/	Text your zip code to 898211
Finding Your Way in PA	Finding Your Way in PA is a mobile and desktop app designed to share with families to search for and contact services for housing, food, health, mental health and work within PA	findingyourwaypa.com

Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE)

Is a process to collect information to determine if a child has a disability and needs special education, and if so, the types of services needed.

Prior to an MDE, the District must obtain permission via the Permission to Evaluate form. Before an evaluation can occur, the form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

Multidisciplinary evaluations are coordinated by a certified school psychologist. Team members including the parents, classroom teachers, principal, school psychologist, persons familiar with the student's educational experience and cultural background, and other pertinent individuals that work with the student provide information as a part of the evaluation. The evaluation is a thorough investigation of the student's academic functioning, adaptive and social behavior, weaknesses, strengths, and response to intervention. All this information is compiled into an Evaluation Report (ER) which recommends whether a child has one or more disabilities, whether or not the child requires special education and the type of supports and services that the student needs. The ER may recommend that a child is not exceptional and therefore does not need special education services. The report will include changes that may be made in the regular classroom to improve the student’s achievement. All members of the MDT, including the parents, are provided with a copy of the report.

Parents who are concerned that their child is eligible and in need of special education may request screening or a multidisciplinary team evaluation of their child through a written request to a member of the school staff – such as the classroom teacher, building principal, or school psychologist. Communication with parents and students shall be in English or the native language of the parent.

Reevaluations for students who are eligible for special education services are completed as necessary when requested by one or more members of the IEP team and in compliance with the requirements of IDEA. Reevaluations for students with an intellectual disability are completed every two years.

Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP)

Once a Individualized Education Plan (IEP) has been developed, a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) is issued to the parent. The NOREP explains the placement or class recommended for the child and explains the rights of parents. The Carlynton School District offers a continuum of educational services designed to meet the needs of eligible students. In addition, related services such as transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision support, deaf and hearing support, and speech and language support are available to those students who qualify.

Detailed information regarding special education procedures may be obtained by calling 412-429-2500, ext. 3309; FAX: 412-429-2504

Home Education Programs

About

Homeschooling in Carlynton

Parents in Pennsylvania may choose from a number of educational options. In addition to public school and private school, parents may elect to educate their children through private tutoring or home education programs. If parents elect either of these options, the school district must receive specific annual paperwork.

All requirements and details of such programs are provided in the Home Education and Private Tutoring page of the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. The required paperwork is summarized below, along with a brief description of each option.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, at 412-429-2500 ext. 3309.

Homebound

The purpose of homebound instruction is to keep students on track academically while the student is temporarily out of school. Homebound instruction is school-supplied one-to-one tutoring for a limited time. These students are counted in both the school membership* and school attendance*
*. See 22 Pa Code § 11.25(b).

A district may provide homebound instruction for the initial three months of excusal without consulting PDE. Following the initial three months, the district must obtain the approval of PDE to extend homebound instruction. If you feel your child requires Homebound Instruction, please contanct the Pupil Services Department.

Homeschooling

Home education programs, sometimes referred to as homeschooling, are led by a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a child.

Required documents to be submitted to the school district to the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services by August 1 of each school year includes: a notarized affidavit that includes all required statements regarding the planned program, a list of educational objectives for each student in the home education program, documentation of all required medical/dental screenings and immunizations. Please see the Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide on the PDE website for examples of such documentation.

If a student receiving a home education program has been identified as a student who requires special education, the program must address the specific needs of the exceptional student and be approved by a teacher with a valid certificate from the Commonwealth to teach special education or a licensed clinical or certified school psychologist. This written notification of approval must be submitted with the notarized affidavit.

Parents of children receiving home education programs must maintain a portfolio each year, have an evaluation by a Home Education Evaluator, and submit the evaluation to the school district by June 30 of each school year. Additionally, students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must participate in a qualifying standardized assessment.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is another option for satisfying compulsory school attendance requirements. Families hire a private tutor (PA certified teacher) rather than having a parent-directed education for their children.

A parent or guardian may act as a private tutor for their own children if they are a PA certified teacher. Background checks and other regulations apply.

The private tutor must notify the school district of the names and addresses of the students between ages 6 and 18 who will be privately tutored. The tutor must provide a copy of the PA instructional certificate, which will be verified with the state. The certificate need not be active, but must not be subject to any disciplinary status. The tutor must also provide copies of current PA and federal criminal background clearances as well as a PA child abuse clearance. Clearances may not be sent to the district via email.

The parent/guardian of students who will be privately tutored must provide documentation of all medical/dental screenings and immunizations. Please see the Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide on the PDE website for examples of such documentation.

Either the private tutor or the parent must maintain a portfolio to document the private tutoring program.

The private tutor must provide written assurance to the Superintendent that the instructional requirements have been met by June 30 of each school year. Tutors must also report any student who has been absent for 3 or more days during the instructional term without lawful reason.

Additional Helpful Links

Special Education Network Wright's Law Job Tips

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