A student with a disability shall be provided with appropriate special education. Students with disabilities will be provided special education in the least restrictive environment. Students are provided with the special education specified in the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to meet the student's unique needs. Students are grouped in special education settings based upon similar needs in the areas of: academic and educational achievement, social development, physical, and management needs. The Gates Chili High School continuum of special education services for students with disabilities is a spectrum of programs and services designed to meet individualized student needs that include: consultant teacher services (direct and/or indirect) and special class settings, in conjunction with related services (e.g., speech/language, counseling, etc.).

• CONSULTANT TEACHER SERVICES: These services shall be for the purpose of providing direct and/or indirect services to students with disabilities who attend regular education classes. Such services are recommended by the committee on special education to meet specific needs of students with disabilities. Each student will receive direct or indirect services consistent with the IEP minimum of two hours each week. Students with disabilities are placed within a regular education setting and receive support services (direct or indirect) via a certified special education teacher within the general education setting. The level of supports provided are invidualized by student need.

• COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM (CASSP): CASSP is designed for students requiring additional support in social skills development. These students receive services in a combination of regular education and special class settings taught and monitored by a certified special education teacher in conjunction with a speech pathologist and social worker.

• SPECIAL CLASS SETTINGS: 

15:1 - The 15:1 setting is comprised of a student/teacher ratio of up to 15 students with one teacher; this is a setting outside of the regular education classroom where content is taught by a certified special education teacher.

12:1:1 - The 12:1:1 classroom is a multi-graded, special class setting designed for up to 12 students with one teacher and one classroom aide. The setting supports students as they continue to require additional instruction in skill-based development; this is a setting outside of the regular education classroom where content is taught by a certified special education teacher and addresses individual student needs. Students will participate in the NYSAA (New York State Alternative Assessment), which leads to a Skills & Achievement credential upon completion of high school.

8:1:1 - The 8:1:1 setting is a special class setting comprised of up to eight students with one teacher and one classroom aide. The 8:1:1 program supports students with behavioral needs in a combination of regular education and special class settings, as well as ongoing counseling support.