Offering a safe, supportive learning environment for K–12 students.
COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY
Accommodations for Special Needs Children
TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA) is committed to providing its students with equal access to its online education program. Federal law and Massachusetts state code both require TECCA to provide its students, regardless of disability, with an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the school’s education program. We proudly offer special education in Massachusetts, which includes providing students with accessibility through resources tailored to each student’s individual abilities and needs, including assistive technologies, individualized support, and virtual special education.
TECCA provides students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a continuum of virtual special education services that include consultation, curriculum accommodation and modification, collaboration with Learning Coaches and general education teachers, and virtual direct instruction with a certified special education teacher. TECCA also provides students who have IEPs with related services that may include virtual speech language and virtual occupational therapy, as determined by the IEP team. For eligible students with disabilities who do not require special education, TECCA develops (as needed) and implements Section 504 plans that detail appropriate accommodations and modifications. When a student enrolls in TECCA, an amended IEP or Section 504 plan is developed to reflect services needed by the student in the virtual environment.
Finally, TECCA engages with parents and Learning Coaches through the Special Education Advisory Council. This council serves in an advisory capacity to the TECCA administration and includes the special education manager. If you would like to participate in the TECCA Special Education Advisory Council, please contact the TECCA office at 774-315-5123 Ext. 361.
Support for English Language Learners
TEC Connections Academy (TECCA) is committed to upholding a policy of educational equality. TECCA does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of ethnic group identification/ethnicity, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or age in the admission to or participation in any of Connections Academy’s educational programs and activities. TECCA welcomes Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and is committed to providing an education program to help these students meet the same high standards as native English speakers do. All enrolling students complete a Home Language Survey. TECCA uses responses to this survey to identify LEP students. Students are then screened using the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) to determine their English proficiency level and to assist in the crafting of an individual instructional plan in cooperation with TECCA’s Language Acquisition Committee (LAC).
Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act states that all LEP students not only must attain English proficiency but also must simultaneously meet the same academic standards as their English-speaking peers in all content areas. To meet this goal, TECCA provides English Language Learners (ELLs) with curriculum support and instruction based on assessed language proficiency levels to develop ELLs’ listening, speaking, and language skills as well as their literacy skills. ELLs are provided with additional support through direct sheltered instruction in the virtual classroom and with supplementary instructional support programs as determined by the LAC and a student’s English proficiency level. Finally, ELLs are assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs. This instrument is used to measure progress in language acquisition.
For additional English Language Learners information please call 774-315-5123 Ext. 361.
CONTACT US
We're Here for You
Dr. Osborn, Ed.D.
Director of Special Education
Phone: 774-335-5230
Email: tosborn@teccaschool.org
Mrs. Konikowski
Assistant Director of Special Education
Phone: 774-335-5323
Email: mkonikowski@teccaschool.org
Mrs. Tucker
Executive Assistant to Special Education
Phone: 774-335-5383
Email: mitucker@teccaschool.org
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