Special Education

Students are placed in specialized education settings by their IEP team, in collaboration with the student’s family. Our goal is to provide individualized programming that maximizes each student’s access to the general education environment while meeting their unique needs and educational goals.

By aligning services with each student’s strengths and challenges, the continuum supports academic growth, social development, and emotional well-being. Our educators are committed to delivering high-quality instruction, creating engaging learning experiences, and encouraging students to persevere in reaching their goals.

Our Special Education services in general education settings provide individualized accommodations and supports so students with disabilities can access the curriculum alongside their peers. These accommodations may include flexible seating, personalized materials, modified assessments, assistive technology, and support from specialized staff.

Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment that meets individual needs, promotes academic success, and encourages social connection. By integrating services within general education, we work to educate, engage, and empower every student to reach their full potential.

In a co-taught class, a general education teacher and a Special Education teacher work together in the same classroom, particularly to support students with disabilities in the general education setting. This approach allows students with and without disabilities to learn side by side while receiving the support they need.

The special education teacher provides targeted accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies, while the general education teacher delivers content aligned with grade-level standards. Together, they plan lessons, assess student progress, and adjust instruction to meet diverse learning needs.

Co-taught classes give students access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment (LRE), while ensuring that specialized support is available within the classroom. This model promotes academic growth, social inclusion, and collaboration among all learners.

ETHS offers a variety of instructional programs designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities. These programs provide specialized instruction and support tailored to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Depending on the student’s needs, instructional programs may include:

• Specialized academic classes focusing on foundational skills

• Life skills and functional academics programs

• Speech and language therapy

• Social skills groups

• Vocational training and career exploration

Each program is designed to align with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and to promote growth, independence, and preparation for life after high school.

Our educators and specialists work closely with students and families to choose the right program and supports that fit each student’s strengths and goals.

Resource programs provide targeted support for students with disabilities who spend most of their day in general education classes but need additional help to succeed. These programs offer small-group or one-on-one instruction in specific academic areas such as reading, math, or organization skills.

Students in resource programs receive personalized support tailored to their unique needs, helping them access the general education curriculum and build skills for academic success. Resource teachers collaborate with general education teachers to coordinate accommodations and modifications.

Resource programs aim to strengthen students’ confidence, independence, and ability to manage their learning while remaining engaged in the broader school community.

Specialized programs at ETHS are designed for students with significant disabilities who require more intensive support and instruction beyond the general education classroom. These programs provide a highly structured environment with smaller class sizes and individualized teaching strategies tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Students in specialized programs receive comprehensive academic, social, and life skills instruction, as well as related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling. The goal is to promote independence, personal growth, and meaningful participation in school and community life.

Our specialized programs work closely with families and other educators to create a supportive, inclusive environment that helps students reach their full potential.

Therapeutic schools are specialized educational settings designed to support students with significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. These schools provide a safe, structured environment where students receive individualized academic instruction alongside therapeutic services such as counseling and behavioral support.

At ETHS, when a student’s needs cannot be fully met within our general or specialized programs, therapeutic schools may be recommended as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). We offer two therapeutic programs to support these students: the ETHS Therapeutic Day School and the Park School.

These schools focus on helping students develop coping skills, build emotional regulation, and achieve academic progress in a supportive setting. Learn more:

• ETHS Therapeutic Day School
• Park School

Home/Hospital Placement is a special education service option for students who are unable to attend school for an extended period due to medical or psychological conditions. This placement provides individualized instruction and support in the student’s home or hospital setting, ensuring they continue to receive educational services during their absence from school. Such placements are used only in rare circumstances.

At ETHS, Home Hospital Placement is arranged as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) when recommended by the IEP team based on the student’s health needs. Certified teachers deliver instruction tailored to the student’s academic goals while coordinating with medical providers and families to support recovery and eventual return to school.

This option helps students stay engaged with their education, maintain academic progress, and transition smoothly back to school when they are able.

Residential placement is a specialized educational setting where students live (away from home) and receive round-the-clock care and instruction due to significant medical, behavioral, or educational needs that cannot be met during the school day alone. Unlike a typical day school where students go home at the end of the day, in residential placement the student stays overnight at the program.

At ETHS, residential placement is considered only in rare and exceptional cases when a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team determines that this level of support is necessary for the student’s safety, well-being, and educational progress. Residential placements provide comprehensive services, including academic instruction, therapeutic support, and life skills training in a structured, supportive environment.

Because residential placements limit access to general education peers, they are regarded as the most restrictive option and are used only when no less restrictive placement can adequately meet the student’s needs.

We want families to understand their rights and options when it comes to Special Education. The Procedural Safeguards Notice explains the protections provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This notice includes:

• Your rights to participate in your child’s education decisions

• How to request evaluations or meetings

• What to do if you disagree with the school’s decisions

• How to resolve concerns through mediation or due process

• Confidentiality and access to your child’s records

Notice of Procedural Safeguards
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Some students with disabilities receive related services as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Examples of related services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and other supports that help students succeed in school.

We keep a log of each related service your student receives. The log shows the type of service, how often it’s provided, and the number of minutes delivered.

You have the right to see these logs at any time.

• A copy will be provided at your student’s annual IEP meeting.

• You can also request a copy at any time by contacting your student’s case manager or the Special Education Department.

Not all students with disabilities require an IEP. Some may qualify for support under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A student may be eligible for a Section 504 plan if they:

1. Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

2. Have a record of such an impairment, or

3. Are regarded as having such an impairment.

Section 504 ensures that eligible students receive the accommodations and services they need to fully participate in school.