What is Special Education?

Special education is not a place, it is a service. General education teachers at Bridgman Public Schools provide direct instruction to all students. When it becomes evident that a student is not meeting curriculum benchmarks, the teacher implements research-based interventions and collects data to monitor progress.  If after several weeks, data shows that the student is resistant to the interventions, the teacher makes a referral for special education.  If the student meets the state and federal criteria as a student with a disability, special education providers, parents, and the student meet to develop an individual education program which is implemented and reviewed annually.  

When it comes to serving students with disabilities, Bridgman Public Schools is on the cutting edge.  In order to meet the needs of students with many different and varying types of disabilities, our special education teachers constantly update their skills through continuing education and professional development.  Our special education staff is dedicated to providing assistance that students with disabilities need to succeed academically. They also create and monitor individual positive behavior plans to guide students toward appropriate behavior to enhance their learning experience.

Bridgman Teachers put the “Special” in our Special Education Program

Our Speech-Language Pathologist, Judd Emery works with K-12 students who have an impairment in one or more areas of speech and language.  Mr. Emery and his students work hard to correct problems with voice, articulation, and fluency.  Some of these students move in and out of therapy with surprising rapidity.  Language therapy, however, often requires a long-term commitment as students learn to use receptive and expressive language as well as the art of reciprocal conversation.

Mary Duehlmeyer and Melissa Payne are at the helm at Bridgman Elementary.  These competent, caring teachers have just what it takes to coax the best possible performance from their young charges.  Using a data driven curriculum along with research-based interventions, Mrs. Duehlmeyer and Mrs. Payne keep students moving along toward a successful school experience. 

Students at F.C. Reed Middle School are thriving under the tutelage of Dana Schaeffer, Eileen O’Shea, and Kathy Sanden.  The middle school special education program is a full inclusion model.  Students with disabilities are educated with their peers, following the same curriculum in general education classrooms.  Mrs. Schaeffer, Mrs. O’Shea, and Mrs. Sanden, along with parapros Cindy Drew and Pat Cole, travel from room to room providing support and accommodations designed to promote academic success.

Bridgman High School students are experiencing success in their general education classrooms with the assistance of Erik Haskins and Jason Holok..  Like the middle school, the high school program uses the full inclusion model.  Additionally, high school students with disabilities take a class called Study Skills facilitated by their case manager.  The ability to provide a Study Skills class to each of our students significantly contributes to their success.  As active facilitators in general education classes, the special education team is well aware of all requirements students must meet and any additional support they may need to be successful.

The special education process can seem like a roller coaster ride as it changes and adapts to meet the needs of students within the parameters set by the state and federal government.  Though the state of Michigan is experiencing financial hardship forcing cuts to school budgets, Bridgman teachers are still committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure high student achievement.  We appreciate the support of the Bridgman school family, parents, and the community as we strive to help all students reach their fullest potential.

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ARE YOU A PARENT OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT? If so, you should know about PAC (Parent Advisory Committee). PAC is a group of parents who have children in special education programs or receive services within the intermediate school district. We have 2 parents from Bridgman that represent our district at the monthly meetings which are held on the third Tuesday of each month except December, June-August, at 7 p.m. at the ISD in Berrien Springs. All parents are welcome to hear and discuss a variety of issues that are pertinent in our county in regards to special education and students unique needs. Please feel free to contact me, Jim Hutfilz at 269-466-0223 for more information.

Recommended Website Links:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Assocation

Autism Society of Michigan

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Council for Exceptional Children

LD Resources

Michigan Dept. of Education

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

Special Education Resources on the Internet