Public School 18
Mr. Joseph Witazek, Principal
43 Bertha Street, Albany, NY 12209
(click here for directions)
Ph: (518) 462-7238
Fax: (518) 462-7252
e-mail: jwitazek@albany.k12.ny.us

Special Services

Integrated classrooms
Integration offers students with learning disabilities an opportunity to receive instruction in a regulated educational setting. These classes provide additional support not only for Special Education students, but also for regular education students, as well.

Resource Room
The Resource Room is a Special Education program for pupils with a handicapping condition who are registered in a regular class but are in need of specialized supplementary instruction in an individual or small group setting. The Committee for Special Education makes the decisions regarding these services.

Remedial Program
The Remedial Program offers children remedial help in reading and math. Children are placed in the program on the basis of the previous year's standardized test scores and/or results of New York State tests.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
An ESL program is available to those students determined to be non-English speaking or to those with a limited knowledge of English. The ESL program is designed to develop the four language skills: listening, comprehension, reading, and writing according to the guidelines set forth by the NYS Education Department. Students meet in small groups with a certified ESL teacher.

Psychological services
Psychological services emphasize prevention and early identification of special needs children within the district. The psychologist's recommendations are based on classroom observations and consultations with parents, teachers, health professionals, and administrators, as needed. Tests of general intelligence, perception, specific abilities, and educational achievement are also utilized to facilitate appropriate educational recommendations. Classroom teachers, parents, and other school personnel may refer a child they suspect to have a special need by notifying the principal.

Speech and services for the Hearing Impaired
The services of a speech therapist are available for those students who have been identified as having speech and/or hearing problems. The Committee for Special Education makes the decisions regarding these services.

School Social Worker
Full-time social worker services are available for short-term student contacts. Students may be referred by parents and teachers. Parent permission is required.

Community garden
The community garden is a cooperative effort between the school, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, the city of Albany, the Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Association, the Second Avenue Neighborhood Association, and other community businesses. The purpose of the garden is to create an outdoor classroom where students can explore topics related to science and their environment. The "Friendship Garden" has become a great center of school and community pride.