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Welcome to Special Education

     The Franklin Regional School District is committed to improving the educational needs of all learners to assure 100% proficiency in math and reading by 2014 and to prepare the students for the 21st century.  The school district mission statement, “We, the Franklin Regional School community, strive for excellence, learning, achievement and citizenship in all we do” exemplifies the efforts of the district to meet the needs of all learners.

     The Franklin Regional School District offers a variety of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of students.  The District has adopted the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model district-wide as defined by Dr. Rick DuFour.  PLC is designed to increase student achievement by creating a collaborative school culture focused on learning.  Teachers are encouraged to work together, develop uniform tests and determine which teaching methods work best to help students.  Utilizing PLC, special education teachers and gifted coordinators support academic teams and provide input regarding the necessary adaptations, modifications, acceleration and/or enrichment to ensure success of all learners. 

     At various grade levels, special education teachers and gifted coordinators provide services in the regular education setting using a co-teaching/push-in model. Co-teaching/push-in models are provided to allow students to be exposed to the regular curriculum while receiving services in the least restrictive environment.  Pull-out services are offered when the student’s needs cannot be met in the regular education setting. 

     At the secondary level, special education and gifted services are designed to meet the needs of students and assist with reaching their post-school goals.  Beginning in tenth grade, all students have the opportunity to participate in vocational training programs offered by the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technical Center.  A part-time transition coordinator coordinates transitional activities for special education students as well as serves as a liaison between the district and community agencies such as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Westmoreland County Department of Human Services Office of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities.

     The Franklin Regional School District also employs the Westmoreland County Intermediate Unit (WIU) to assist with supporting students with exceptional needs.  The WIU currently maintains two of the four Life Skills/Autistic Support classrooms in the district.  The WIU also provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Hearing Services, Vision Services, and Psychological Services to students.  Transportation, Speech and Language, and Counseling Services are provided by the school district.  The Franklin Regional School District also partners with Wesley Spectrum Services on a case-by-case basis for Mental Health support for severe cases.