English Language Learners
The English Language Learners (ELL) program supports non-native English speakers by working closely with the child’s teacher. The children are drawn from their regular classes to conduct language activities with a designated ELL teacher from the DCPS Office of Bilingual Education. Students may receive ELL services 1–2 hours a week depending on language proficiency and grade level.
Guidance Services
Maury’s on-site psychologist and social worker provide:
- Crisis intervention for students and families.
- Coordination of screening and referral process to identify students for special education services.
- On-going counseling for students and parents in need.
- Test coordination.
- Developmental guidance lessons.
Resource Teachers
Maury has three special education teachers (PK–Grade 1, Math 2–5, Reading/Writing 2–5) and a reading teacher (Grades 1–5).
Response to Intervention Team
Response to Intervention is as an early-warning system to identify struggling students—for example, students not on grade level academically, chronically absent or truant, or at risk for grade level retention—and provide them with additional supports and services. A Response to Intervention team may include social workers, teachers, administrators, parents, school nurses, and other staff. The team uses a data-based, collaborative process to assess student academic and/or behavioral needs, identify goals, design strategies for support and intervention, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Students with Special Needs
DC Public Schools are required to evaluate and provide, when appropriate, services for children with special needs. These may include physical and emotional disabilities, learning disabilities (mild to severe), and speech and language challenges. Services include specialized instruction, counseling, speech and language therapy, and psycho-educational evaluations. Contact your child’s classroom teacher, the psychologist, or the social worker if you think your child should be evaluated. Students in PK3 and PK4 are evaluated by Early Stages, a DCPS diagnostic center for children aged 2 years, 8 months through 5 years, 10 months.
Each student with special needs who qualifies for special education services will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), developed by a team of professionals, which states educational goals and objectives; describes learning needs and abilities; and lists the needed related services. In accordance with the IEP, a student is included in the regular education program to the maximum extent possible, participating in “pull-out” services and/or inclusion as appropriate.