Chandler Park Academy is deeply committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive a comprehensive and legally compliant public education, in alignment with both federal and state regulations. To fulfill this commitment, CPA provides a range of essential services, including evaluations and specialized programs, designed for individuals who have been formally identified as having a disability or are under suspicion of having one, as defined by either the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

For detailed information regarding our services, as well as to gain insights into parent and student rights or initiate the referral process, we invite you to reach out to the Chandler Park Academy Department of Special Education.

 Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

In accordance with Michigan state regulations, each local educational agency and public school academy is required to transparently outline the process used to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). At Chandler Park Academy (CPA), we adhere to a comprehensive procedure designed to ensure accurate assessments for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Our Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) model is employed for SLD determination, encompassing evaluation in the following domains:

• Oral Expression
• Listening Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Reading Comprehension
• Reading Fluency
• Math Calculation
• Math Problem Solving

What is a Specific Learning Disability?

A Specific Learning Disability is defined as “a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, whether spoken or written. This disorder may manifest itself in imperfect abilities related to listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or mathematical calculations. It includes conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia that negatively impact a student’s educational performance. Importantly, it excludes learning issues primarily caused by visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disturbances, or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantages” (34 CFR 300.8(c)(10)).

Evaluation Process at Chandler Park Academy

CPA employs a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) model to assess students for eligibility under the Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) category. Our evaluation process adheres to the guidelines established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and Michigan state laws, policies, and procedures for special education.

Understanding the PSW Process:

The Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses process involves the meticulous collection of data to ascertain the following:

• Whether the student achieves at an adequate level for their age or meets State-approved grade-level standards in the areas specified in 34 CFR 300.309(a)(1)(i), given appropriate learning experiences and instruction for their age or grade level.
• The presence of a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development, as determined by the Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Team (MET). This determination is made based on appropriate assessments, in accordance with IDEA Evaluation Procedures and Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations.

We are committed to ensuring that our SLD determination process is comprehensive, equitable, and in compliance with all relevant regulations to support the educational success of our students.