School Highlights
 
 
McKeesport Area High School Receives Recognition
for Special Education Program
 
Earlier in the year, McKeesport Area High School was nominated for an award by Mrs. Candace Skinner, a parent in the district.  Her daughter, Tessa, is part of the Project SEARCH initiative at the High School that teaches on the job training to students with special needs.   Following the nomination, a special review team was dispatched to the McKeesport Area High School to observe specific evidence of special education inclusive practices, which refers to the inclusion of students with special needs in a regular classroom setting. 

The award is being presented for “Exemplary Inclusive Practices,” and McKeesport will receive recognition in the areas of Leadership, School Climate, Student placement, Extra-Curricular Activities, Family Involvement, Collaborative Practices, Instructional Planning, and Use of Supplementary Aids and Services.

Although the award is generally only given in three areas, the review team recommended that it be presented to McKeesport in all eight areas, and additionally recommended that the district serve as a model for other school districts to follow.

Along with the award, the district will receive a grant of $15,000 to be used to continue the promotion of inclusive practices at the high school.   Furthermore, the state has asked that staff members at McKeesport Area High School speak at a Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference about their use of inclusionary practices.   Congratulations to the High School and the MASD Special Education Department!