Oneida City School District Special Education Department 

The Oneida City School District provides a range of programs and services for students with special needs. Our goal is to facilitate each student's growth toward reaching their fullest potential.

As consistent with federal and New York State policy, the district is committed to the provision of supports and services to ensure that each student is educated within the least restrictive environment.  

In the event that a student is suspected of having an educational related disability, they are referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). These committees are responsible for the identification, evaluation, and program planning for students with special needs.  

Referral Process:

The Oneida City School District provides a variety of interventions to support the individual needs of each student. These interventions are implemented through the Response to Intervention (RTI) process. RTI consists of systematic levels of increasing intervention. Interventions may be provided by classroom teachers, AIS teachers (Academic Intervention Services), or related service providers. The provision of RTI, which includes documented progress monitoring, is a legally required component of the special education eligibility process. Each building has a Student Assistance Team (SAT) which is responsible for coordination of the intervention process. 

If a child has not responded to interventions, and a disability is suspected, a referral to the CSE may be considered. If a child is referred to the CSE for an evaluation, parental notification and consent to proceed is required. In addition, parents may refer their child for an evaluation if a disability is suspected. The CSE is required to review documentation of concerns and interventions in the evaluation process.

The evaluation consists of the following components:

• physical examination
• psychological evaluation 
• social history
• observation of your child in his or her current education setting
• other tests or assessments that are appropriate for your child 
• vocational assessments (required at age 12)

Individualized Education Program (IEP):

If the student is found to be eligible for special education programs and services, the CSE will ensure that an Individualized Education Program will be developed to meet their needs.  The IEP provides a description of the student's strengths and needs, establishes individualized goals, and identifies supports, services, and accommodations to assist the student in meeting their goals. As required by law, the CSE will ensure that all supports are provided within the least restrictive environment. The CSE meets at least annually to review the IEP. In addition, parents may request a meeting at any time to discuss their child's program.

For additional information pertaining to special education, please refer to the links for the Procedural Safeguards Notice and Parents Guide to Special Education provided below.