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Can paraprofessionals take a leave of absence to student teach if they are working on credentials to become a full-time teacher?
The DOE provides eligible paraprofessionals with a 40-day paid leave of absence to complete student teaching requirements if paraprofessionals are enrolled in a program to earn credentials to become full-time teachers as there are instances when...
What is the new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) state teaching certificate? How do you qualify to obtain this certification?
As of Sept. 28, 2022, the state Education Department created a new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) certificate that permits teachers to teach students with disabilities in pre-K through Grade 12 in New York State public schools. The Students...
When we work after our contract expires but before a new one has been instituted, do we still maintain all our rights and terms of employment?
Yes. Under state law governing public employees, the terms of an expired contract stay in effect until a new agreement is reached.
I am completing coursework for an additional certification. Would these courses also be eligible for A+ credit?
In addition to ASPDP courses, teachers may also qualify for A+ credit for coursework taken to achieve additional certification in one or more of the following designated areas: Special Education Health Bilingual extension TESOL certificate inclusive...
What help can the UFT provide if students are not receiving the support and services required by their IEPs or the school is not adhering to the special education regulations and requirements set out in the DOE’s Standard Operating Procedures Manual?
There are two avenues for resolving special education issues: your school’s Special Education Committee or the special education complaint. Issues that can be brought to the Special Education Committee include the failure to properly staff special...
When are teachers supposed to hold IEP meetings for students with disabilities?
IEP meetings should happen during instructional time or the teacher’s professional activity period. Under the 2023 DOE-UFT contract (Article 6B1d), IEP conferences can now also be scheduled during the 40-minute block of Other Professional Work on...
Are IEP-assigned paraprofessionals (individual and small group) required to attend related service sessions?
The management needs section of the student’s IEP must make clear the circumstances during the school day, including related services and nonacademic settings such as lunch and transitions, for which the student requires the support of a...
Is it appropriate for the IEP team to consider whether a student requires special education support during clusters or special classes in elementary school or during electives or language classes in middle and high schools?
Yes, the IEP team should discuss whether students with disabilities require support in any instructional, grade-bearing class. Teachers of such classes who are concerned about the ability of a student with a disability to access or participate in the...
Can an IEP be amended without an IEP meeting when the school does not offer the program or service on the student’s IEP?
No, in this case, the IEP team must be convened to consider other programs and service options based on the student’s specific needs. If the team concludes that the student requires the service or program that the school does not offer, the school...
Special education teachers and school counselors in middle and high schools are often assigned to develop IEPs for students they do not serve. Is this permissible?
No. According to federal law, the IEP team — which includes the parent and the teachers and related service providers who work with the student — is responsible for developing, reviewing and revising the IEP of a student with a disability (see the...