Auxiliary Services for Nonpublic Schools

(Act 89)

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The Act 89 Nonpublic School Services is a state-funded program provided directly by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit to students enrolled in nonprofit private (nonpublic) schools within Adams, Franklin or York counties. Auxiliary services include reading and math instructional services, speech and language services, psychological services, as well as counseling services to students in all grade levels, Kindergarten through grade 12.  These services are intended to provide students with support to help them succeed in their regular education program in the nonpublic school.

Instructional Services

The Act 89 Instructional Specialists partner with nonpublic schools to plan, implement, and support a quality education delivered with integrity and accountability.  During reading and mathematics intervention and remediation, students receive direct instruction in small groups or one-on-one with PA-certified reading and math specialists.  The specialists will assess and monitor progress of each student while consulting with students’ classroom teachers.  The emphasis on early-intervention in primary grades targets skill remediation for students performing below grade level.  Additional support and remediation is available to students in upper grade levels as well as coordinated Title I intervention where applicable.

Speech and Language Services

The Act 89 Speech and Language Clinicians screen and isolate students’ communication deficits and deliver quality instruction for improving communication skills by partnering with school staff and families.  During speech and language services, students receive direct instruction in small groups or one-on-one with PA-certified speech/language and ESL specialists.  The speech clinicians will screen students (typically in grades Kindergarten through grade 3) and provide therapy for each identified students’ difficulties.  ESL specialists will target language/skill development for students for whom English is not their primary language.

School Counseling Services

The Act 89 School Counselors provide quality guidance services for students, staff and parents while acting with integrity and accountability to support the educational and emotional needs of those individuals being served.  The elementary and secondary guidance staff are PA-certified counselors who provide individual, small group as well as classroom guidance to students in non-public schools.  Academic advising, career and college planning, self-awareness skill development and conflict resolution are just some of the services provided and may include referral to school and community-based resources as needed.

Additional Services

The Act 89 Auxiliary Services may also include Enrichment Programming as well as Psychological Services.  The enrichment programming is available for students in grades three through eight and is taught by PA-certified teachers.  Enrichment services are provided in schools where other instructional services are offered if sufficient need and schedule availability allows.  The psychological services are provided by PA-certified school psychologists and include consultation with teachers, administrators and parents as well as potential targeted evaluation of specific academic, cognitive and/or social behavioral concern.

LIU’s Title I services are designed to develop targeted skills for students performing below grade level. Services include:

• Diagnostic and on-going assessment to guide instruction and monitor progress.
• Supplemental instruction for small groups of students.
• Consultation with classroom teachers to coordinate instruction.
•  Instruction provided by PA-certified teachers and reading specialists.
• An emphasis on early-intervention in primary grades (intervention also available in upper grades).