To help school districts in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene Counties meet their needs of educating special needs students, Questar III BOCES has added a fourth classroom at the Maple Hill Middle School in Castleton.
According to Robin Sobol, Questar III special education director, there has been an increased need for the Challenge Intensive 4:1:2 ratio classrooms – comprised of four students, one teacher, and two teaching assistants (4:1:2). This program educates students with cognitive delays who require significant behavioral management.
Because there were enough students on the wait list for this type of classroom, Questar III worked with Schodack CSD to accommodate a fourth classroom. Utilizing empty classroom space at Maple Hill Middle School not only benefits the students and their home districts, but it provides a revenue stream for the host district by leasing out the space. Questar III also has similar agreements with a number of other school districts for similar programs.
The alternative to being placed in a classroom can be a costly private or residential program, explained Sobol. “Our role is to meet the needs of students in our districts,” she said. “We find an appropriate place for students and adding this classroom means that we can keep those students in public placements.”
There are currently 285 students with various academic capabilities and social/behavioral needs in Questar III special education classrooms throughout the three counties. According to Sobol, Questar III would likely add additional classrooms should the need arise to accommodate more students.
Each Questar III special education program provides students with individualized instruction in a curriculum adapted to meet the state learning standards. Learning is enriched by interactive community-based experiences and through the support of specialists in speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Questar III also offers extensive support services to component districts through itinerant services, consultation services and staff development opportunities.
To learn more about Questar III’s Special Education program, click here.
