Welcome to the Home Page of the Special Education Department.

On behalf of the Newburyport Public Schools, I would like to invite you to browse our pages to learn more about our staff, programs and services. Our Central Office is located within the Superintendent's Office located at 70 Low St. (rear of the Nock/Molin schools building).

We pride ourselves on providing a continuum of services that supports students throughout their academic career. Our Special Education Department embraces a philosophy of inclusion. An inclusive classroom is a learning environment in which all students participate, each with their individual strengths and weaknesses, together with a team of teachers, including regular educators, special educators, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists, as appropriate. Inclusion increases the educational outcomes for ALL students. When special educators join the classroom teacher to collaborate and instruct as a team, student-to-teacher ratios are dramatically reduced and instruction is more effectively customized for each student in the classroom. When special educators and regular educators co-plan and co-teach, best instructional practices are demanded and supported by a team approach. Inclusive classrooms encourage and, in fact require, differentiated instruction and assessment that benefits every student in the classroom. This benefit extends to students who have difficulty but who have not been identified as disabled and also benefits students with greater than average skills by providing more challenging content and assignments.

Each school has a special education office with a Team Facilitation Leader ready to assist you and your child's learning needs. Please click on "contact us" to find the Team Facilitation Leader for your child's school.

If you would like to learn more about our programs and services, or have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 978-465-4453 or via e-mail at kbrann@newburyport.k12.ma.us.

Sincerely,

Karen Brann

Director of Special Education

CENTRAL OFFICE