School-Based Practice Considerations

Occupations of students

1. Academic

   1. Math calculations, literacy, written expression, presenting

2. Non-academic

   1. Lunch, recess, ADLs, transportation

3. Extracurricular

   1. Band, sports, clubs, (pre) vocational

Best practice in schools

1. Know the laws

2. Learn the system

   1. state, district, school, department

3. Use knowledge to advocate for students

4. Help families and staff understand the context

   1. educational model vs medical model

5. Stay updated!!

Important policies in the school system

1. Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

2. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

3. Rehabilitation Act of 1973- Section 504

4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA)

FERPA

• Confidentiality and Privacy Law

• The school system’s version of HIPAA

• Applies to higher education, as well

Components of ESSA

• Annual standardized testing

• Non-test score indicators of quality

• Improve outcomes of students in low-income communities

• Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) *OT!

  • Professional development

  • Testing accommodations

  • School climate/culture initiatives (MH)

Section 504 Rehab Act of 1973- Section 504

• Access to curriculum and activities

• Accommodations and modifications

• NOT specialized instruction

• Required by law to provide access if school receives federal funding

• OT can establish and monitor 504 plans

IDEA

• Specially designed instruction that meets the unique needs of a child with disability

• Not a place, it is a teaching method and set of services

  • Modified classroom instruction

  • Assisted teaching with a paraprofessional

  • Assistive technology

  • Behavioral intervention plans

  • Adaptive physical education

  • Vocational services

  • Transition services

  • Related services

    • OT, PT, SLP and others

Key Provisions of IDEA

1. Eligibility and Categories

2. FAPE

3. LRE

4. IEP

5. Related Services

6. Procedural Safeguards

7. Transition Services

Eligibility and Categories

Covers 13 disability categories (e.g., autism, learning disability, orthopedic impairment, speech/language impairment)

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Services must be provided at no cost to families and designed to meet unique needs

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Students should be educated with non-disabled peers as much as possible

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A written, legally binding plan for each eligible student, developed by a team including parents, teachers, and related service professionals

Related Services

Includes OT, PT, speech-language therapy, counseling, transportation, and other supports required for a student to benefit from special education

Procedural Safeguards

Protects family rights, including due process, mediation, and compliant procedures

Transition Services

Beginning at age 16 (sometimes earlier), IEPs must include planning for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living

IDEA

Individual rights and services (special education + related services, via an IEP)

ESSA

system accountability (ensures students with disabilities are part of state reporting and improvement efforts, recognizes related service providers as school improvement partners)

Section 504

Civil rights protection (broad nondiscrimination, accommodations, but no specialized instruction guarantee)