Berwick Area School District

The Berwick Area School District provides a full range of special education programs and related services. Most education services are provided within the district. A gifted program is provided at all levels for students who qualify. All of our programs are instructed by highly qualified teachers. Guidance and psychological services are available for grades K-12. What should I do if I suspect my child has a learning disability or is educationally gifted? Any concerns that you may have regarding your child's educational performance should first be addressed by contacting the relevant teacher. Your child may be referred to the Child Study Team (CST), which consists of you as a parent, your child's teacher(s), school counselor, principal, and other appropriate school personnel (school psychologist, nurse, etc.). The CST then meets to discuss any school-related concerns that exist, as well as possible courses of action that are likely to help. The CST may, as part of this process, recommend that your child be evaluated for special education eligibility. If as a parent, you are concerned that a disability might be the source of your child's learning difficulties, you may request a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine his/her eligibility for special education and related services. Such requests must be made in writing, and forwarded to your child's school counselor or principal. If the school agrees that an evaluation is warranted, a Permission to Evaluate form will be provided to you for signature and return. Upon receipt of this form, the school is required to complete a multidisciplinary evaluation within 60 school days. The results of the evaluation, recommendations relating to your child's educational needs, and whether or not he/she is eligible for special education and related services will be included in this report. Should you disagree with the results of the multidisciplinary evaluation completed by the school, you have the right to access an outside evaluation for your child. The Berwick Area School District complies with all federal and state regulations and requirements regarding access to and provision of independent evaluations.