Students with Disabilities

“Minimize the impact of students’ disabilities; Maximize opportunities for participation in the general education setting.” – Thomas Hehir

Office Location: 1st Floor, Smith Hall

Special Education Administrator: Janet A. Norris, 978-774-0050 x253; fax 978-774-6530
Department Secretary: Mary Jane Devine

The Essex Agricultural and Technical High School is a publicly-funded, Chapter 74 secondary school.  As such, we adhere to the same regulations as other public schools with regard to the provision of special education services for individuals with disabilities who are found eligible.  Within a maximally inclusive setting, we provide a continuum of programs. A typical program might include: self-contained academic classes or general education classes that are co-taught by special education teachers or supported by special education paraprofessionals.

We provide necessary modifications, accommodations and/or appropriate related services so that students can develop the skills necessary to increase independence. 
Consistent with our philosophy of full inclusion, every effort is made to provide support to students in the general education setting rather than remove students from the mainstream.

The special education staff of the Essex Agricultural and Technical High School currently includes Special Education Teachers, Special Education Paraprofessionals, a Special Education Reading Teacher, and a Consulting Speech/Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist. All students who attend our school can access our, Guidance Counselors, School Adjustment Counselor and/or School Nurse for additional support services. 

An academic support program that is unique to our school and open to all students is the Homework Club.  It is staffed by two, licensed teachers and operates two afternoons a week for a total of four hours of available small group tutorials.  Our library is open and available for student use from 7AM until 5PM daily and is equipped with a 30-station computer lab.