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Special Education

Dear Southern Fulton Families,

I am honored to continue serving as the Director of Special Education at Southern Fulton School District. It has been a rewarding experience working alongside such a dedicated and inspiring community of students, families, and staff. I look forward to building on the meaningful progress we’ve made in supporting the growth and success of our students.

At Southern Fulton, our mission remains clear: to provide every student with the individualized support they need to reach their fullest potential. I am continually impressed by the passion and commitment our special education team brings to this work each day. As we move ahead, we will remain focused on creating a supportive, inclusive environment where all students feel empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.

Strong partnerships between families and schools are essential, and I deeply value the collaborative spirit that defines this community. Whether your child currently receives special education services or you’re seeking additional support, please know that my door is always open. I am committed to working with you to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they have the tools and resources necessary for both academic and personal success.

As we begin another promising school year, I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work. Together, we will continue to support the unique strengths and needs of every student.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. I look forward to a successful year of growth, connection, and achievement for all.

Warm regards,

Dr. Laurel Keegan, Ed. D.
Director of Special Education
 
Special Education Supervisor
Laurel Keegan
717-294-3400 ext. 3004
lkeegan@sfsd.k12.pa.us
 
 
           
              What Administrators Need to Know
              What Educators Need to Know
              What Families Need to know
    Parent Information       
            Local Task Force Brochure
            Parent and Student Websites
Information
           Types of Disabilities
           Executive Functioning FAQ

* 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 submit a 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 Southern Fulton School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2024-25 testing cycle.  The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions on the Southern Fulton School District participation rates should be directed to Dr. Laurel Keegan at 717-294-2203 ext 3004. 

PASA

The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA) requires that States and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) ensure that all children with disabilities are included in all general state and district-wide assessment programs, including assessments used for purposes of satisfying the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). If necessary, a state or LEA may create an alternate assessment. The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) was developed in accordance with this allowance to meet the needs of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are not able to participate in the general assessment even with accommodations. The PASA is aligned with Pennsylvania's academic content standards with a reduction in depth and breadth evidenced by the Alternate Eligible Content, and measures the attainment of knowledge and skills of children with significant cognitive disabilities through performance tasks. Like the state-wide standardized test (the Pennsylvania System of Assessment or PSSA), the purpose of the PASA is to provide information to school districts and other educational service providers that will aid them in improving instruction for children.