Special Education

The Conewago Valley School District provides a free and appropriate public education to all students determined to be exceptional and in need of "specially designed instruction." These services may be provided solely by the District or in conjunction with the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12. A range of educational placements is available to meet the individual needs of each student including: gifted education, learning support, and various itinerant, supplemental, or full-time special education classes. Many low-incidence disability classes are located in neighboring school districts. For answers to specific questions regarding these special education programs, please contact your child's building principal or Dr. Stephanie D. Corbin, Director of Special Education.

Screening activities are conducted if a student is experiencing difficulties which may interfere with learning or for a student who may need enrichment beyond the regular curriculum. A building level team reviews records and diagnostic data and, if necessary, collects additional information to assist in the identification of the problem. Adaptations will be made in the student's educational program and monitored over a period of time. If the student's Academic or behavioral concerns cannot be resolved through implementation of evidence-based interventions, a referral for a multi-disciplinary evaluation may be made.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to BSE if it anticipates that more than 1.0 % of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the PDE website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations.  LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Conewago Valley School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2020-21 testing cycle.  The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education.  Questions on the Conewago Valley School District participation rates should be directed to Dr. Stephanie D. Corbin, Director of Special Education, at (717) 624-2157.

For additional information:

• PA State Code, Chapter 14, Federal Special Education Regulations
• Procedural Safeguards Notice
• Procedural Safeguards Notice - Spanish

The Office for Dispute Resolution

ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for parents and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted education, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A bilingual specialist is available to serve Spanish-speaking callers.

You can reach the ConsultLine at the following telephone numbers:

• In Pennsylvania: 1-800-879-2301 (Toll-Free)
• Outside Pennsylvania: 717-901-2146

You can also contact ConsultLine by filling out the online contact form.

The ConsultLine specialists can:

• Describe the processes involved in having a child evaluated and provided special education, classroom  accommodations and related services;
• Explain the procedural safeguards (parents' rights) available to parents of students with disabilities;
• Provide information about, access to, and assistance with the formal complaint process;
• Discuss options for addressing concerns or disagreements about the child’s special education program; and
• Provide callers with other useful resources and informational materials