Special Education

Special Education refers to “specially designed instruction (SDI)” to meet the needs of an exceptional student whose school performance is adversely affected. The term “exceptional” includes children with a physical, emotional or mental disability.

Special Education supports and services in the Nazareth Area School District include a full continuum of services and are in compliance with both federal - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Pennsylvania School Code laws.  

• Curriculum

• The Nazareth Area School District curriculum will be on a sequential continuum that facilitates the transition from basic skills acquisition to skill application and to higher level thinking.
• Instruction
• Teachers utilize modifications and adaptations to ensure effective instruction for all students that address the wide range of student learning styles and individual needs.
• Intervention
• A collaborative effort to provide the child with the least restrictive environment from kindergarten through graduation. This will be a comprehensive effort, involving all the people familiar with the child including parents, general and special educators, school counselors, school psychologist, school nurse, administrators, outside consultants, and the student, when appropriate.

The continuum of services include the following:

• Learning Support
• Emotional Support
• Life Skills Support
• Autistic Support
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Support
• Speech & Language Support
• Vision Support
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy

Opportunities are available for students with moderate to severe disabilities to participate in the general education environment to the maximum extent possible as determined by the IEP team. 

Nazareth Area School District collaborates and utilizes resources outside the district including the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, local approved private schools and other state licensed educational programs.

Related services are available to assist a student with a disability including transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation and mobility and psychological services.

A student with a disability, who is in need of specially designed instruction (SDI) within the Nazareth Area School District, is supported by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. 

All students with an IEP are re-evaluated every three years per state mandates. Those students with a disability of Intellectually Delayed, are re-evaluated every two years.

Click here for Special Education Timelines