EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

DiNAPOLI: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT
RIGHT IN PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Eight school districts on Long Island all complied with statutory and regulatory requirements for students referred for special educational services, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

"These Long Island school districts are getting special education right," DiNapoli said. "The districts have established good channels to communicate the students' needs and progress with parents and everyone involved in providing these important services. The districts are successfully providing the special education services the students need."

DiNapoli's auditors examined the individual education programs at Baldwin, East Islip, Massapequa, North Shore, Northport-East Northport, Plainedge, Sachem and Syosset school districts after State Senator Carl L. Marcellino requested the audit.

"In these difficult fiscal times, it is crucial that we ensure that every penny of every tax dollar is being spent wisely," Marcellino said. "The results of this audit show that Long Island schools are providing the type of special education services that the students and their parents deserve. Comptroller DiNapoli should be applauded for being a persistent champion for both students and taxpayers."

School districts are required to follow certain federal and state laws and regulations when they provide services to children with disabilities. The audit, which covered July 2005 to May 2008, found that the districts all complied with these laws and regulations.

Specifically, DiNapoli's auditors found the districts:

* complied with referral and evaluation requirements by properly participating in committee on special education meetings and completing full evaluations within 60 days;
* developed and implemented required individual education plans in a thorough and timely manner;
* did a good job of ensuring that all parties involved in implementing each student's education plan were aware of their responsibilities; and
* delivered the services prescribed in each student's individual education plan.

The audit's only recommendation stated that the districts should keep a log of the special education services provided to each child by district personnel and other providers to readily demonstrate that each student received his or her prescribed services.

District officials agreed with the audit's recommendations. To view the audit, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/iepfinal.pdf.

To view the individual school audits:

* Baldwin: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/baldwin.pdf
* East Islip: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/eastislip.pdf
* Massapequa: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/massapequa.pdf
* North Shore: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/northshore.pdf
* Northport-East North Port: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/northport_eastnorthport.pdf
* Plainedge: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/plainedge.pdf
* Sachem: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/sachem.pdf
* Syosset: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2009/compliance/syosset.pdf

School District Accountability
In order to improve accountability of the state's schools, DiNapoli's office will audit all of New York's school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services by 2010. The State Comptroller's office has completed 585 school audits and approximately 160 school audits are currently underway.

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

I'm surprised Half Hollow Hills isn't on that list, and really surprised that Sachem is.

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

I'm in the Levittown District and have to say they have been great services / meetings, etc.

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

I was surprised with the list too. But an audit is based on documentation and paper work rather than delivery of service sometimes.

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

Interesting that Syosset is on the list since right now I am in limbo of what services they are willing to give Jacob next year...

Also, in Syosset they only have regular kindergarten setting or a self contained classroom.. There is no inclusion class.

We moved to Syosset because it is one of the top districts on the island. But when it comes to special needs I don't know..Hopefully, I will be happy with the outcome for Jacob for September..

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

interesting, i heard that the Bellmore-Merrick has a great special ed program, and i was surprised not to see it...

i guess i will wait to see all the schools reports

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

Again, a lot of this list has to do with audits - which is all CYA on paper - not what is actually occurring in the classrooms....

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

also, when being audited by the state, the districts are usually chosen at random so it doesn't mean that other districts are NOT doing a good job. also, they're not analyzing the crux of special ed.: the quality and amount of services. they're mainly looking at whether or not they filled out paperwork on time. JMO...

Re: EIGHT LONG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS GETTING IT RIGHT

I'm glad to see my district on there. We still have some time before we get involved with the district.
I have heard that the program is good and I hope it's true!