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Special Education

Dear Southern Fulton Families,

I am thrilled to continue serving as the Director of Special Education at Southern Fulton School District. It has been an incredible journey working with such an inspiring community of students, families, and staff, and I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made together in supporting our students’ growth and success.

At Southern Fulton, our mission remains focused on providing every student with the individualized support they need to reach their fullest potential. I am proud of the dedication and passion that our special education team brings to this work each day. As we move forward, we will continue to create an inclusive environment where all students feel empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.

I believe in the importance of strong partnerships between families and schools, and I value the collaborative spirit of this community. Whether your child is already receiving special education services or you are exploring options for 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 to succeed both academically and personally.

As we embark on another exciting year, I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Southern Fulton community and to be part of your child’s educational journey. Together, we will make great strides in supporting the diverse strengths and needs of our students.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and partnership. I look forward to another year of success and growth for all our students.

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
 
 
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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.