Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI)
Students may be referred for special education assessment by their parent, teacher or school counselor. All requests for an evaluation are processed through the student study team (SST).
State eligibility criteria must be met for a student to receive special education services. Placement services are determined by the individual education plan (IEP) team. All efforts to provide instruction in the least restrictive environment are made.
Students enrolled in special education programs are assigned a case manager who schedules classes, implements the student’s IEP, and serves as a liaison for the student, parent, classroom teacher, administration and academic counselor. Support services such as speech/language therapy, vocational assistance, and counseling are available via San Mateo County Health.
The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has changed the way special education student services are reported to the state. IEPs note the amount of time in daily minutes a student requires specialized academic instruction (SAI).
Transition Partnership Program (TPP)
The Transition Partnership Program (TPP) connects high school students with disabilities to the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and assists with their transition to work. TPP helps students overcome barriers to employment; assistance may include direct job development, vocational training, or post-secondary education. The TPP provides enhanced vocational rehabilitation services for at least one year prior to the student leaving high school. Services include training and school classes or programs to enable students to obtain employment. This may include community based instruction, vocational and work-site training, job placement, work incentive wages, and follow-up services. This is a cooperative program with the California Department of Rehabilitation.
Workability 1
The mission of Workability 1 (WAI) is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders including students, families, educators, employers and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, lifelong learning and quality of life. The WAI program provides comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living, and post-secondary education or training. The WAI program offers special education students the opportunity to complete their secondary education, while also obtaining marketable job skills. The WAI program seeks employers in the business community who will give students with special needs a chance to prove themselves. The WAI program is funded by grants from the California Department of Education.