Frequently Used Special Education Reference Materials
See below for quick reference to resources that educators and families frequently use to find information related to special education issues.
Special Education Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM)
The DOE’s new SOPM provides up-to-date information about the DOE’s policies and procedures. It covers a wide range of topics and is only available online. It features a detailed table of contents that links directly to relevant information and provides easy access to other related documents through embedded links. The SOPM is available on the DOE’s public website and on the DOE intranet.
DOE Continuum of Special Education Services
The Continuum of Services describes the programs and services available for students with disabilities in the New York City Public Schools. It sets out the DOE’s vision for a “single, seamless and unified service delivery system” together with an expectation that services will be provided in various combinations to more closely address individual student needs.
Academic Policy Guides
The Academic Policy Guides cover a wide range of information of interest to school staff and parents. This includes academic requirements, assessments, policies for students with disabilities and English language learners, programming, grading, attendance, information about course offerings and course credit, graduation requirements, diplomas, and other commencement credentials. The guides are updated regularly and may contain links to other documents that are only available to DOE staff.
Multilingual/English Language Learners
Policy and Reference Guide for Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners
DOE’s Office of Language Access supports NYC Public Schools in their efforts to connect with families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English.Available services include translation, in-person, virtual, and over-the-phone interpretation services for critical communications.
Assistive Technology
IEP teams are required to consider the assistive technology (AT) needs of every student receiving special education services any time the student’s IEP is developed, reviewed, or revised. The Central Assistive Technology Team has developed a wealth of online resources to support students and staff in selecting and implementing educational and assistive technologies, as well as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. See more on the DOE InfoHub » (login required)
The following webpages are excellent places to start if you are looking for answers to questions like: How do I know whether a student needs or would benefit from assistive technology? How do I choose AT to address functional or learning issues? How do I make sure that a particular device, tool, or app is right for the student? How do I select an app that will work on my student’s device? Where do I start with a nonverbal student? At what age or developmental level should alternative or augmentative communication be considered for a nonverbal student? Where do I get support if a student with an AAC device is assigned to my class and I don’t know how to use it?
The CAT Team YouTube Channel provides short video clips about specific AT Tools
Central Assistive Technology Learning Community - Home (SharePoint Site – DOE staff only, login required)
Transition
Guide to Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
As described by the DOE, “This document includes an overview of the purpose of transition planning, sample transition timelines, and suggestions for how to integrate transition planning into school-wide curriculum for students from elementary school through commencement, to best prepare students for school exit and postsecondary life.