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DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL ACT PUBLIC SCHOOL
DISTRICTS
All Special Act Public School Districts
are located on the grounds of childcare institutions licensed by the
department of social services or a residential treatment facility for
children and youth. The proximity of the residential program and the school
district allows for a campus-like setting, in which children live and learn.
Of the 3500 at-risk children attending
the public schools affiliated with these child care and treatment
facilities, most come with a history of educational difficulties. These
students are generally classified with learning and emotional challenges and tend to make better progress outside the traditional school setting.
The schools are a centering point for
integrating services. They concentrate on offering programs, which will
prepare students to function successfully and effectively in the
environments to which they will return. Curriculum offerings are equivalent
to those offered in local public school districts and meet all the
requirements of the New York State Department of Education. Accredited high
school programs lead to a Regents or local diploma. An alternative GED or
IEP diploma program may also be available. Vocational education, work-study,
life skills, interscholastic sports and after-school activities are also
offered. Guidance services, psychological and psychiatric therapy and other
related services are provided as required.
Although these Special Act Public
School Districts primarily serve a resident population, students from the
local communities who experience similar psychological, educational and/or
physical disabilities also attend on a day school basis. School programs are
offered 12 months of the year.
Parents, Committees on Special
Education, state agencies, private physicians, and etc., place children.
Placements occur throughout the year for various lengths of stay from three
to twelve months. Stays can be shorter or longer depending on the
circumstances.
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