Committee on Special Education (CSE):

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multidisciplinary team that identifies children in grades K-12 with special education needs. Prior to the initial eligibility meeting of the CSE the student participates in a comprehensive evaluation. Students are eligible for special education services if the Committee determines that there are significant weaknesses in learning that impact classroom performance and the student's ability to access the general education curriculum. The Committee must determine eligibility based on the following disability classifications:autism, deafness, deaf blindness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, learning disability, intellectual disability, multiple disability, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, or visual impairment including blindness.

An Individual Education Program (IEP) is a formal document outlining the special services for a student by the Committee on Special Education. The IEP contains the summary of the student's strengths and weaknesses, present levels of performance, and specific educational goals. It also indicates the nature of the disabling condition and the recommended programs and placement. The IEP is the teacher's guide for instruction and is reviewed at least annually by the Committee on Special Education. Additionally, the CSE conducts a comprehensive re-evaluation at least every three years.

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document. The components are mandated by federal and state law. Included in the document are demographic information; attendees at meetings; the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs; services; goals and objectives; program modifications; testing accommodations; standardized test scores; participation in general education, etc. The plan is created at the CSE meeting.

All educators who work with the child must adhere to the IEP and have access to it. Access to IEPs are only provided to those who work with the child. Teachers of students with disabilities at Scarsdale Schools are provided electronic access to their students IEPs.

Annual Review

A student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is reviewed at least once each year. This is the Annual Review. A Committee on Special Education (CSE) is convened to review and discuss the student’s progress for the past year and to make plans for the coming year. A child’ parents, teachers, and service providers are invited to the meeting. Educators are required to submit written reports about student progress. This purpose is discussed and used to determine if changes to the IEP are warranted.

Extended school year (ESY)

Students are eligible to receive extended school year services if there is documentation that the student will exhibit Substantial Regression if services do not continue throughout the summer. Part 200 of the Commissioner’s Regulations defines Substantial Regression as, "a student’s inability to maintain developmental levels due to a loss of skill or knowledge during the months of July and August of such severity as to require an inordinate period of review at the beginning of the school year to reestablish and maintain IEP goals and objectives mastered at the end of the previous school year."
It is necessary for clinicians and teachers to furnish a written statement to the CSE at the time of Annual Review. All of the information is reviewed, and the CSE determines a student’s eligibility for extended year services.

Students eligible for CSE services are not necessarily eligible for extended year services. Students determined to have met the requirements for extended school year services, often attend a school summer program. The program may or may not be in the district.

The majority of CSE students do not meet the requirements for extended year services.

Other CSE Meetings

A child’s parent/guardian, clinician, service provider, or teacher may request that a CSE meeting be held at any time throughout the year.. The Special Education Office schedules the meeting and sends out invitation letters.

The CSE meeting may discuss the overall progress of the child, or a specific service. The format and process for the meeting is the same as Initial, Re-evaluation, and Annual Review meetings.