The Board acknowledges its responsibility to recruit, hire, train and retain highly qualified personnel, as defined in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its accompanying regulations and in Article 89 of New York State Education law and its accompanying regulations, to provide special education programs and services. In addition, the Board is committed to appointing appropriately qualified personnel to the Committee (and subcommittee) on Special Education (CSE) and Committee (and subcommittee) on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
The Board will fulfill its obligation with regard to special education personnel by taking measurable steps including, but not limited to the following:
- Actively recruit personnel who possess prior experience working with students with disabilities.
- Solicit resumes from graduates of institutions of higher education that offer programs in special education.
- Seek candidates for teaching positions who are dually certified, to the extent possible.
- Ensure that every member of the professional staff participates in annual professional performance reviews and professional development plans.
- Provide appropriate on-going training and professional development to CSE and CPSE members, and other special education program and service providers to ensure their continuing awareness of their obligations and responsibilities under the law.
The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that the professional staff is appropriately certified, licensed and trained and that they meet the “highly qualified” standard established in federal and state law. In the event that highly qualified individuals are not available, despite the best efforts of the administration, the Board recognizes its responsibilities to meet the alternative standards established by the State Education Department.
Cross-ref:
- 4321, Programs for Students with Disabilities
- 9240, Recruiting and Hiring
- 9700, Staff Development
Ref:
- Individual with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC §§ 1412(a)(14), 1413(a)(3)
- 34 CFR §§ 300.156, 300.207
- Education Law §4410
- 8 NYCRR § 200.2(b)(3,12)
Adoption date: January 12, 2009
Reviewed: May 22, 2017