Special Education at the Edison K-8
What is a learning disability?"A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." Children with learning disabilities are as smart or smarter than their peers. But they may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information if left to figure things out by themselves or if taught in conventional ways.A learning disability can't be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong issue. With the right support and intervention, however, children with learning disabilities can succeed in school and go on to successful, often distinguished careers later in life.
Parents can help children with learning disabilities achieve such success by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, understanding the educational system, working with professionals and learning about strategies for dealing with specific difficulties." From www.LDonline.org What is an IEP?An IEP is individual education plan that is specific to your child. The special education team at the Edison K-8 will work with you to develop this plan because YOU know your child best. This plan includes:
You will receive a copy of this IEP soon after the meeting. If you accept the IEP, we ask that you sign and return it to us as soon as possible. You can reject part or all of the IEP by calling the special education coordinator at 617 635 8436 or in writing on the form. Annual Review: Every year your child will have an Annual Review, where you are asked to come to the school to discuss your child's progress. Re-Evaluation: Every three years your child will receive a Re-Evaluation Review, which involves a meeting similar to Annual Review, but will include all of the same tests done initially. Original Evaluation: If it is suggested a child may need an IEP, the special education team, teachers and parents will attend a meeting to determine eligibility. For more information, see below or contact our office. Progress reports will be provided with each report card. 
Types of Disabilities
*Note: The Edison K-8 does not have strands/classes for all of the disability types listed above. Please contact your Family Center or our Special Education staff members for more information. 
Placement
TransportationAt your child's IEP meeting - decisions will be made about transportation. Will your child need door-to-door? Will your child be on a big bus? Will your child refuse transportation and get to school via family or public transit? This will also be written into your child's IEP. Bus services can go from K1 to 8th grade at the Edison K-8.
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"Fifteen percent of the U.S. population, or one in seven Americans, has some type of learning disability, according to the National Institutes of Health."
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Is my child eligible for a Specific Learning Disability?The Special Education Team, parent/guardian and providers will assess if your child is eligible for a Specific Learning Disability by reviewing the following:
Parents will be asked to agree to testing and observations of their child. The team will come together to discuss the findings and next steps. For more details and information, click here. 
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EI Program
The Emotional Impairment Strand (EI Program) at the Thomas A. Edison K-8 School, is a program within the Boston Public Schools’ special education department. The program strives to provide the academic, clinical, behavioral, and social-emotional supports its students may need to reach their full potential as learners while helping them to develop the habits and skills needed to ultimately move away from such supports, and back into less restrictive settings. The EI program delivers its supports within the regular education community at the Edison K8, ensuring that all students have access to the full range of opportunities the school provides. It further ensures that all students grow and learn alongside each other, helping all to develop the skills needed to become fully realized citizens of our diverse and rapidly changing world.
