Special Law public schools in New York State are designed to provide education to students from the poorest zip codes who have learning challenges that require small class sizes, intensive counseling and guidance. These schools serve students who are unable to attend community schools due to disabilities, illnesses, or behavioral problems. The School District is recognized by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools High School Commission. The Greenburgh-North Castle School District is a public school district in New York State that serves approximately 300 students with special education needs, from 7 to 12 grades.
Three separate school programs on campus consist of separate, departmentalized special education classes that address academic and social needs, and are complemented by physical education, art, industrial arts, special skills classes, and psychological and related services. The Blythedale School District in Valhalla serves students with severe physical disabilities who reside at Blythedale Children's Hospital. Students learn in accredited high schools for Regents, local or alternative to the GED, and participate in vocational and study-work programs. Regents, Local, and IEP diplomas are awarded to students who meet the requirements of the New York State Department of Education.
The school prepares students for all the exams required by the New York State Regents and awards high school diplomas to those who meet the requirements. The New York State Legislature created the Mount Pleasant Cottage School (UFSD) in 1971 to address the educational needs of approximately 350 children with social-emotional disabilities who are day students or residents of the 175-acre Jewish Child Care Association campus. Created by separate and special laws of the New York State Legislature, these districts provide unique educational and therapeutic opportunities to students who have struggled or failed in previous school settings. In New York State, students with severe disabilities or other educational problems can be admitted to a Special Law school district, an 853 school, or a 4201 school if the school district of residence, the neighboring school district, or the Cooperative Education Service Board cannot provide adequate and free public education. The programs follow the New York State curriculum and include academic diagnosis and remediation, speech and language services, counseling services, occupational therapy, computer-assisted instruction, a range of vocational skill development opportunities, and a comprehensive approach to improving individual responsibility. The Standing Committee on Education of the New York State Assembly has organized a roundtable discussion to discuss the programs and services offered by Special Law school districts, 853 schools and 4201 schools. Catherine Nolan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Subcommittee on Students with Special Needs will be present at this roundtable.
Welcome to the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) website on day and residential programs for school-age students with disabilities. Special Act school districts are considered public school districts that partner with child care institutions and serve students placed by family courts, local social service districts, the Office of Children and Family Services, and the Office of Mental Health. These districts are recommended by the special education committee (CSE) of the local school district. New York State's Special Act school districts provide an invaluable service for students with learning challenges or disabilities who require specialized education that cannot be provided in traditional public schools.
These schools offer unique educational opportunities that can help these students reach their full potential. Through specialized instruction tailored to each student's individual needs as well as comprehensive support services such as counseling and occupational therapy, these districts can help unlock a student's potential. The Standing Committee on Education of the New York State Assembly has organized a roundtable discussion to discuss the programs and services offered by Special Law school districts, 853 schools and 4201 schools. At this roundtable discussion we will explore how these special act schools can help unlock potential for students with learning challenges or disabilities.
We will discuss how these districts provide specialized instruction tailored to each student's individual needs as well as comprehensive support services such as counseling and occupational therapy. We will also explore how these districts can help create an environment where students can reach their full potential. We invite you to join us at this roundtable discussion to learn more about how Special Act school districts can help unlock potential for students with learning challenges or disabilities. Together we can create an environment where all students can reach their full potential.
