Special Education

AGORA RESOURCE CENTER

(PARENT RESOURCES)

Agora Cyber Charter School (“the Charter School”) complies with Chapter 711 of Title 22 (“Chapter 711”) of the Pennsylvania Code to inform Parents of the Charter School of available special education services and programs and how to request those services and programs, as well as, systematic screening activities that lead to the identification, location and evaluation of children with disabilities enrolled in the Charter School.

Regardless of the severity of their disabilities, children enrolled in the Charter School, who are in need of special education and related services, are to be located, identified and evaluated. The Charter School complies with this responsibility, which is required by a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et. seq. (“IDEA”).

The Charter School also complies with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), for school-age children with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined under the IDEA, but who might be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities, and activities. Children are entitled to such protections, adaptations, and accommodations if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program and otherwise qualify under the applicable state and federal laws, including Chapter 711 and Section 504, noted above.

In addition, the Charter School complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) under 34 CFR section 300.622 regarding information contained in education records.

For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a Charter School student, please contact the Chief Executive Officer of the Charter School or his/her designee at (844) 462-467. For more information regarding Agora Cyber Charter School and its compliance with state and federal laws, view the complete copy of the Annual Special Education Notice.

Agora’s Special Education program is robust and comprehensive. It includes supports and services for students who have a confirmed educational disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Specially designed instruction and a standards-based curriculum are delivered by qualified staff to meet the individual needs of all students. Individual Education Plans (IEP) are developed and implemented across all settings. Special Education programming and related services are provided to Agora students at no cost to the parents and guardians.

Additionally, Agora is abundantly committed to the full implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and IDEA. Agora ensures that all enrolled students who are eligible for special education services have full access to curricular offerings. These curricular options are aligned to Pennsylvania state academic achievement standards.

Requests for Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Requests for evaluations may be submitted at any time to the Psychological Services Coordinator, Anne Dieter, [email protected]. Upon receipt of a verbal or written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation, Agora will respond within ten school days. The need for an evaluation is determined upon thorough review of all data related to the concern and any impact on student learning and functional performance. Parent involvement is a required component throughout this process.

Meet Our Special Education Staff

Jennifer Fisher-Clark

Director of Special Education, K-8

Erinn Slacktish

Director of High School Special Education

Colleen Freyvogel Bruss

Assistant Director of Special Education Operations

Michelle Cukauskas

Elementary Special Education Assistant Director

Maryann Johnson

Assistant Director of Special Education, K-8

Jennifer Lucia

Assistant Director of Special Education, MS

Valerie Natale

High School Special Education Assistant Director

Danielle Schall

High School Special Education Assistant Director

Morgan Witman

High School Assistant Director Special Education

Whitney Bargerstock

Special Education Transition Coordinator

Special Education Student Transition

It is never too early to start thinking about and preparing for what you want to do with your life after high school! The PA Department of Education mandates that schools begin transition planning conversations and activities with all special education students at the age of 14. We specifically focus on the areas of post secondary education, employment, and independent living to create an individualized transition plan that is realistic and targeted toward student interests and abilities. Agora supports student transition needs by offering transition courses in grades 7-12 that provide opportunities for students to participate in age and grade appropriate activities that align with PDE’s Career Education and Work Standards and PaTTAN’s Planning for the Future Checklist.

Advice to Students

Attend your IEP meetings and be an active participant! It is very important that you understand why you have an IEP and what supports are being provided to help you. As you get older, you will be responsible for advocating for yourself. It helps to practice talking about these things with your parents and special education teacher.

Advice to Parents

Keep in mind that your child’s IEP ends at graduation. Agora will be asking your child to think about his/her future and play an active role in making decisions that drive his/her transition plan. Encourage your child to think about his/her future and explore various options to find what is most appropriate for his/her interests and skill sets.