Learning Support - Special Education
The Special Education Program at Cook-Wissahickon is comprehensive in nature. We offer a continuum of services that range from consultation, itinerant and Resource Room services to part time level students in various categories of disabilities.
Our special education students use the Philadelphia Core Curriculum as a framework for instruction and adaptations and modifications are provided for students to help support optimal learning. Supportive services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and vision or hearing therapy is provided when it is indicated on the IEP. Special education students participate fully in all areas of activities within the school.
Speech/Language Support
Cook-Wissahickon's speech and language teacher is responsible for evaluation in the areas of language, articulation, fluency and voice. The speech/language teacher works with students who have a significant communication disorder that is considered educationally relevant. Eligibility for this service is determined by a multidisciplinary team which considers whether students' speech and language disabilities are adversely affecting their ability to learn.
Hearing Support
A hearing support teacher is assigned to Cook-Wissahickon School and is part of the multidisciplinary team. She is responsible for evaluation in the areas of language development, use of residual hearing, speech, speechreading ability and other school-related skills. The hearing support teacher works with students who have an educationally significant hearing loss. She maintains communication with important adults who work with the child. Eligibility for this service is determined by a multidisciplinary team following audiological evaluation at a hospital or private facility.
Autistic Support
For the 2007-2008 school year, Cook-Wissahickon will be home to two Autistic Support classes. These full-time classes will serve students in grades K-1 (primary level) and 1-3. In addition to a classroom special education teacher, these students will receive services from our Speech and Language Clinician, Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist, as their Individualized Educational Program (IEP) indicates. We use a team approach where all professionals work together to plan and execute a cohesive program for our students.
The students in the full-time Autistic Support classes are included with their peers whenever appropriate, including lunch, recess, assemblies, trips and some specialist classes. It is expected and encouraged that all students in our school will learn to appreciate the uniqueness of these students and that they will demonstrate a greater acceptance of people who are different from themselves.
