Sunday, November 22, 2009

As I begin this new chapter in my professional career, I feel that it is important for you to know a little about me.  I have spent my entire professional career as an educator; first as a special education teacher and later as an administrator at a Special Education Cooperative.  I have had the pleasure of working with school districts and families for many years to assure that the individual needs of each child are met.  
My goal as the new Director of Special Education for Mascoutah CUSD #19 is to get to know the students, parents, and community members to assure that we work together to provide a quality education.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.  While I may not have immediate answers for your questions, rest assured that I will respond in a timely manner.   It is indeed an honor to become part of the Mascoutah family of educators.  It has quickly become apparent that Mascoutah provides a quality education to all students.  

Sandy Sweeney, Director of Special Education MCUSD #19


Currently, the district employs 29 special education teachers, 19 instructional aides, and 18 personal assistants.  Related services are provided by 4 social workers, 5 speech and language therapists, and 5 nurses.  The district contracts for the services of occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technologists, audiologists, and teachers for the visually or hearing impaired.  Within the district elementary schools programs for early childhood special education, cognitive disabilities, emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities are provided.  The Middle School houses a program for students with cognitive disabilities.  Students with specific learning disabilities and mild emotional disabilities are serviced in a variety of settings.  Mascoutah High School has services for students with learning disabilities and mild emotional disabilities, as well as a cooperative program for high school students with cognitive disabilities.

Our district is a member of the Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative.  That organization supplies support and services for low-incident disabilities.  They also offer programs for students with more significant disabilities.

We are extremely proud of the scores that students with disabilities have received on the ISAT and PSAE tests.  With accommodations allowed for testing, our students show that they are learning according to state standards.

Special education and general education personnel cooperate to provide the very best individual education program for each student identified as having special needs.  It is our desire to incorporate parents into this partnership.  By working together, all students can have the opportunity to succeed.