The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multidisciplinary team, appointed by the Board of Education. The CSE is responsible for students with disabilities from ages 5-21. The CSE is authorized to identify students in need of services by determining eligibility, developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), placing the student in the least restrictive environment in which they can succeed and provide appropriate services to meet the child's educational needs. The team meets at least annually to review a child's IEP and determine program from that point forward. Parents are encouraged to participate in each step of the process.
The committee members are appointed annually by and responsible to the Board of Education, hold meetings on a regular basis to respond to initial referrals, amendment requests and process required annual review meetings. The District is committed to identifying children with disabilities and providing necessary, appropriate services and support within the least restrictive environment. If you suspect your child has a disability, please contact your building principal or the Special Education office.
Will I be notified of the CSE Meetings?
You will be notified by mail of the date, time and location of the meeting. The letter will also inform you as to who is expected to attend the meeting.
Should I bring someone with me to the meeting?
Parents may choose to bring anyone they wish to the meeting. As with the CPSE meetings, there is a volunteer parent who serves as a parent member. This parent member has a child who is currently receiving special education services. If you do not wish the parent member to attend the meeting, you may request, in writing, that the parent member not attend.
Who should I expect to be invited to the CSE meeting?
The CSE members include:
- You, the parent or guardian of the student
- The district's CSE Chairperson
- A school psychologist
- A parent member
- Your child's general education teacher
- Your child's special education teacher or service provider
- An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results
- The student, when appropriate
How long will my child need Special Education?
Children's needs are unique, and every child's rate of progress differs. The CSE reviews the progress of all classified children annually to assure that their programs remain appropriate, and to make necessary modifications. Changes in services can be considered at any time during the school year. Should the need arise, you, your child's teacher or service provider, may request a CSE meeting at any time to review the appropriateness of special education services.
When will my child be reevaluated?
Every 3 years children who receive special education services are reevaluated to determine individual needs and continuing eligibility for special education services. This evaluation was previously called a "triennial." The reevaluation does not necessarily require that your child be retested. In some cases, current educational information, teacher conferences, parent conferences, observations and a review of records provides the required information needed for the CSE to recommend services. You will be notified in writing when your child is scheduled to be reevaluated and you will be requested to give your written consent.
What is declassification?
Students who no longer require services are declassified. The process entails a full evaluation, written reports, and a CSE meeting. It is a CSE decision and not an individual decision.
Students who are declassified are often provided with declassification accommodations. These include, but are not limited to testing accommodations and program modifications. Students who still require more in depth services, but no longer qualify for CSE services, are referred to the school's 504 Committee.
What is an Annual Review?
A student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is reviewed at least once each year. This is the Annual Review. A Committee on Special Education (CSE) is convened to review and discuss the student's progress for the past year and to make plans for the coming year. A child's parents, teachers, and service providers are invited to the meeting.
Educators are required to submit written reports with both anecdotal information and discrete data. Summer is part of the next school year. It is at this time that Extended School Year (ESY) services are discussed and possibly added to the IEP.
What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document. The components are mandated by Federal and State law. Included in the document are demographic information; attendees at meetings; the student's strengths, weaknesses, and needs; services; goals and objectives; program modifications; testing accommodations; standardized test scores; participation in general education, etc. The plan is created at the CSE meeting.
All educators who work with the child must adhere to the IEP. They are to have access to the IEP. There is legislation that is mandating that all of a child's educators be provided with a copy of the IEP. Access is provided only to those who work with the child. Providers must maintain IEPs in secured and locked places.
Where can I find information about my rights as a parent of a child with a disability?
As a parent, you are a vital member of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in New York State. The CSE/CPSE is responsible for developing recommendations for special education programs and services for your child. You must be given an opportunity to participate in the CSE/CPSE discussion and decision-making process about your child’s needs for special education. The procedural safeguards describe your legal rights under federal and State law to be informed about and involved in the special education process and to make sure that your child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE). A copy of the procedural safeguards can be found below.