Special Programs
Special Programs are provided to students meeting the definition of disabled according to federal and state laws; and needing special instruction modifications/services in order to benefit from education.
Students who meet the criteria for special education have been diagnosed with one or more of the following: learning disability, speech impairment, emotional disability, orthopedic impairment, autism, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, or other health impairment.
Following is a brief description of the services provided by Alvin Independent School District Special Programs Department as determined by the student's Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee.
Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD)
A program for children ages 3-5 presenting a disability in need of early intervention. Half-day classes are provided at various primary/elementary campuses throughout the district.
Speech Therapy
Available for students with articulation, voice, language, and/or fluency disorders. Services are provided by a certified or state licensed speech pathologist.
Special Education Counseling
Counseling is provided for students in order to benefit from instruction, and provide for a higher degree of success in the academic setting.
Content Mastery
A program in which students receive instruction in the general education classroom with support services from a Content Mastery teacher. General and special education teachers implement modifications.
Resource
This program provides instruction to mildly and moderately disabled students. Students receive instruction from a special education teacher in areas targeted as weaknesses in their Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Learning in Functional Environments (L.I.F.E.)
This program is for moderate to severely disabled students. This program emphasizes academic as well as functional living skills.
Homebound
Instruction provided at home by a certified teacher for students unable to attend school for health or physical reasons.
Occupational/Physical Therapy
A service provided for students with fine and gross motor deficits. The purpose of occupational and physical therapy is to help students function and benefit from educational programs.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology services and devices are considered for all students who demonstrate a need in the areas of self-help, communication, and/or positioning and seating in the education setting.
Vision Training
A service available for students with a visual impairment who exhibit an educational need for direct instruction, consultative service, or classroom modifications.
Orientation and Mobility
A service available for visually impaired and multiply impaired students. Specialists train students to travel safely and efficiently in order to increase their independence.
Auditory Assistance
Alvin ISD participates in the Galveston-Brazoria Cooperative for the Hearing-Impaired (GBCHI). Services are provided for students with hearing impairments needing intervention and support. Classes are held in district and in neighboring districts.
Special Olympics
Athletes are coached by trained coaches. Athletes must meet the organization's criteria for participation. Alvin students have participated at the local, regional, and state level.
School Health Services
Some of the many school health services provided by the district school nurses include screening and referral for health needs, monitoring medication needed by students during school hours, performing procedures as assigned by the students physician and consultations with physicians, parents and staff.
Positive Approach to Student Success
The PASS philosophy focuses on students participating in the general education classroom with a trained special education teacher acting as support to the student and to the general classroom teacher. Flexibility within the PASS program allows for the individual needs of students to be met.
