About Special Education Program (SPED)

Description of Special Education

Palau High School's special education program provides supplemental instructional and related services to eligible students with special needs and individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the services is to ensure free appropriate public education to students till high school graduation or to age 22, consistent with Republic of Palau Public Law 3-9, the Ministry's policies and procedures, and the Ministry's assurances relating to the U.S. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. Services are provided in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by the school, the student, and their parents.

Palau High School's special education services consist of resource assistance to students and teachers; part-time and full-time instruction to students; transitional and Skills Center services; and such related services as therapy, transportation, and evaluation. Resource assistance includes supplemental aids, tutoring, monitoring, and consultation to teachers and students. Part-time and full-time instruction to students includes direct instruction in regular class, in resource room, and in special class environments. Transition and Skills Center services include classroom and community based functional and occupational skills development in combination with other special education services as indicated in the student's IEP. The IEP is developed annually and may be revised as frequently as necessary with the involvement of school staff- principal or designee, regular education teachers, special education teachers, special education coordinator or specialist, and school study team and related services staff, as appropriate. "Special education" credits for graduation will be reflected in the student's IEP and recorded in the student's school record upon successful completion of the IEP objectives.

The Skills Center is located at the Ministry's Special Education Center. The curriculum consists of quarter units related to yard work, carpentry, and gardening; cooking, baking, and food service aide; light manufacturing and entrepreneurship; and sewing, custodial, and housekeeping services. Development of communication, practical math, science, social, and healthy living skills are integrated in the curriculum.

School Level Improvement Team

Palau High School has a committee called the School Level Improvement Team, which is composed of team leaders from each area of learning discipline, the head counselor, the Principal and the Vice Principal. The main function of this committee is to evaluate on-going school programs and activities, ensure proper implementation of new programs, and strive for overall improvement of the school.

School Level Student Study Team for Evaluation

Upon completion of the student review and recommendation of disposition by the School Study Team (SST), the principal will issue a Notice of Disposition on the school form or on Ministry Form SE-3. If a referral for evaluation is made, the principal will also appoint an Evaluation Committee for the student's evaluation and will inform the Ministry's special education coordinator of the need for and for assistance in coordinating the evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation will be conducted consistent with the Ministry's Special Education Policies and Procedures; and subsequent activities carried out in accordance with the following chart and timelines.