Special classes

Special class services serve students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met within a general education class, including integrated co-teaching classes, even with the use of supplementary aids and services. Special class services are offered in community schools, high schools, and District 75. Full-time special class services should be the exception, not the rule. Full-time special class services recommendations should be even rarer as the student progresses from grade to grade. 

To ensure that students with IEPs have the maximum opportunity to learn alongside their same-age peers, the IEP team must consider service recommendations separately for each subject at every IEP team meeting. Parallel programming, i.e., scheduling general and special education classes at the same time in each subject and grade level, facilitates movement of students with disabilities to less restrictive environments. 

The IEP of each student recommended for special class services must indicate: 

• the number of periods that special class services will be provided and the instructional areas in which the student will receive special class service 
• the supplementary aids and services, direct and/or indirect special education teacher support services, or integrated co-teaching (CTT) services for the periods they are not in a special class. 

For all subjects, including clusters, “specials,” and physical education, for which the student's IEP does not recommend special education services, the student must receive instruction in a general education class with his or her peers who do not have disabilities. 

Please note: When SETSS is provided in addition to special class services, the three-hour minimum for SETSS services still applies.

The special education teacher is responsible for designing and delivering instruction in special classes. Paraprofessionals may also help provide support in the classroom. Students receiving special class services may also require additional supports such as related services, adapted physical education, accessible educational materials, assistive technology and travel training.

For additional information, see the Special Education Standard Operating Procedures Manual: Topic: Developing the Individualized Education Program (IEP); DOE Continuum of Special Education services (Also can be found on DOE Info Hub - DOE login required for access)