Lists of special ed classes

[Jodi]

Okay, I know this is probably going to be a "no" BUT have any of you ever had a district willing to show you a list of all the special ed classes they have, as well as information on private or public agencies they contract with outside of their district to meet the needs of a child that is within that district? Hope that makes sense!

I know where Ryan is going to attend 3rd grade (another different site than where he is currently) but there doesn't seem to be freedom of information when it comes to options. I know about the whole "full continuum of services" etc., but the district is NEVER open about who they use outside of the district. Heck, they are pretty secretive about the classes they do offer IN the district LOL! Anyway, I work for a public agency, and I know how to go about asking for information. I was just wondering if any of you had experienced an "open" district.

Also, when it comes to classroom settings, I'm familiar with Ryan being in "inclusion" and he is now in a SDC - but I've never heard of the term "self-contained". I'm probably going to make an official request for information in writing, so any help on the terminology would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Jodi

[Kristin]

Self-contained means the students stay in the class and do not exchange classes or teachers. Most elementary classes are considered self-contained meaning that they have one classroom and usually the same teacher all day. The opposite of self-contained would be like most junior high and high schools where students switch classes and teachers during the day.

Clarice is in SDC, but is mainstreamed for library and music. She goes to a speech room for speech therapy, but otherwise all other services and teaching goes on in her classroom. The OT works in her room with her and her teacher. I have found the more structured SDC room allows her to concentrate on her studies better as she is easily distracted.