North Salem SEPTO

25/09/2025

Additional information on all of our programs can be found on our website: www.albany.edu/autism If you would like to view a list of trainings you have attended with us in the past or trainings that you are registered for, please visit our Training and Program Registration Management page.  

15/08/2025

ACTION REQUIRED
Provision of FAPE to Students with Disabilities Through Age 22 (attachment)
NYSED has issued the attached memorandum reaffirming districts’ obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students through their 22nd birthday.
On July 17, 2025, the Appellate Division, Third Department, upheld NYSED’s interpretation; districts must maintain enrollment and services, including placements at State-approved schools.
Noncompliance will be considered willful under Education Law §306.
Please share with Special Education and Business Offices and ensure local practices align immediately.
Questions can be directed to SPECED@nysed.gov or your local SEQA office.

15/08/2025

Academic Intervention Services for 25-26 based on State Test Scores

In accordance with section 100.2(ee)(2)(ii) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, each school district must develop and maintain its policy for providing Academic Intervention Services (AIS) no later than September of each school year. For the 2025-2026 school year, districts must fol...

09/04/2025

NEW TOOLS FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT!!!!
Parents, teachers, administrators, and advocates, NYSED has released new information on how to determine if a student is eligible for alternate assessment (these students are sometimes called "ungraded" or "life skills" or some other acronym, but they all will not take state assessments and cannot earn a diploma).

Please go take a look at the new Decision Making tool:
https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/nysaa-decision-making-tool.pdf

You can find a question and answer on the above tool here:https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/faq-nysaa-eligibility.pdf

And an update to the Criteria and Eligibility Policy Brief (how the school districts are supposed to interpret the federal law)
https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/nysaa-policy-brief.pdf

Alternate Assessment is a BIG DECISION. It has ripple effects for the rest of our children's lives. Our kids will learn on alternate standards and will not be eligible to pursue any careers or learning after high school that requires a high school diploma. Make sure you understand what makes a student or your child eligible and make sure that they absolutely meet all the requirements before agreeing!!!

19/03/2025

Our next Professional Development and Parent Seminar will be on Wednesday, March 26th. Professional Development and Parent Seminars (PDPS) disseminate information on effective programs for individuals with autism.

The target PDPS audience is school personnel, including general and special education teachers, administrators, related-service providers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and paraprofessionals, working with students with autism spectrum disorders, as well as parents and family members.

To register and learn more, click here: https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/training-opportunities/professional-development-and-parent-seminars

06/03/2025

Come meet and connect with college and universities that offer on-campus learning supports and decide next steps in your postsecondary path.

06/03/2025

In January 2025, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services at the U.S. Department of Education released a transition guidance document. This guidance document describes how state and local educational agencies and vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies may coordinate to assist students with disabilities, who are in high school and will be transitioning out of high school. These individuals with disabilities may receive federal or state funded services as adults.

21/12/2024

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has updated its Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Policy and Tools to Guide Decision-Making and Implementation - December 2024

Updates in the guidance document cover areas including, but not limited to, computer-based testing, assistive technology accommodations, tests read, and the procedures for the use of a scribe. New questions were added to B-4, C-3, C-5, and E-3. New information was added to A-7 and E-2.

07/12/2024

Office of NYS Comptroller Report

Critical Pre-School Special Ed Services Are Not Reaching All Students Who Need Them

Audit Finds Better Oversight Needed by State Education Department to Ensure Students Receive Required Services On Time and Help Local School Districts Address Shortfall in Providers

27/11/2024

A great learning experience for any parent or guardian. Well worth the time!

26/11/2024

Joint Agreement for the Coordination of Transition Services between the New York State Education Department (“NYSED”)
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services–Vocational Rehabilitation (“ACCES-VR”) and Office of Special Education (“OSE”)