• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Special Education news from the home page

•Students advocate for mental health services in NYS

•Students learn that writing has real meaning...and tastes great, too!

• Four-legged and furry, these aren't your average "tutors" — but their methods are proving especially effective with students with special needs.

• Career & Tech and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students collaborate on 'what's cookin' in the kitchen.

• Improved decision-making, communication among changes in Special Education division.

Spotlight on Special education

A very special prom indeed

Students, alumni and their guests spruced up and stepped out for a night of food, fun and dance at this year's Very Special Prom, held on May 11. The prom is a much anticipated annual event that was begun 31 years ago at the request of a number of students with special needs hoping for a celebration they could call their own. Click here to view photos from this year's prom.

Great Expectations spring newsletter

The spring 2012 issue of Great Expectations newsletter, including the Special Education Division's new mission statement and program features is now available. Read newsletter

Great Expectations is a publication for parents and families of children and teens in the Capital Region BOCES special education program. New issues are published twice each school year. To view past issues, click here.  

Andy Lockwood is WNYT/News Channel 13's Top Teacher

Special Education teacher Andy Lockwood, a 20-year Capital Region BOCES veteran who leads the division's Interdisciplinary Skills Program (ISP) class at Niskayuna High School, has received the honor of being named as one of WNYT's "Top Teachers" for this year. more

Extended School Year (ESY)— Summer 2012

The BOCES Special Education Division's extended school year (ESY)/summer special education programs and related services will be held this year from July 2 through August 10. Classes will not be held on July 4.

ESY services are designed for students with special needs who require a 12-month program in order to meet and maintain their Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives. Students are recommended for these services by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) staff in their home districts.

For more information about these programs through the Special Education Division, contact Barbara Petraznik in the Special Education administrative office at (518) 464-6317.

2012 Professional Development workshops

Expand your understanding of special education and the children you work with. For course descriptions click here. For the course registration form (PDF) click here.  

Resources for families

At our family resources page you'll find a growing listing of workshops, activities for children, teens and families, local organizations and reference materials on topics related to special education.

Final Special Education Division study report

The final report out of a comprehensive study of Capital Region BOCES' Special Education Division can be downloaded here as a PDF.