Special Education

The special education staff believes that all students can learn at high levels.  The purpose of special education is to minimize the effect of the student’s disability so that the student can reach his or her full potential.

Every student has a right to fully access the curriculum, standards, be challenged, and be given opportunities to maximize his or her learning and analytical thinking skills. The department emphasizes that collaboration and constant communication among families, students, their teachers, and service providers are essential for their general development.

Special Education Services
Special Education is intended to provide services to students who disabilities and who, because of those disabilities, need specially designed instruction and/or related services in order to make effective progress in the general education program of the school.

 Adaptations to teaching and learning styles and classroom climates should be designed and implemented in the general education setting is required by law (under IDEA 2004) before considering a special education referral.  In many cases learning problems are not caused by disabilities.  A referral for evaluation is appropriate when, despite general education accommodations such as found in the DCAP (District Curriculum Accommodation Plan) and discussions with the school’s ‘Student Assistance Team’, the student is still not making effective progress.

 If an evaluation by the school determines that the student has a disability, is not making effective progress, the lack of progress is the result of that disability, and requires specially designed instruction and/or related services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed.  If a student has a disability, but does not require specialized instruction, that student is eligible for a 504 Plan.

 A Special Education TEAM recommendation is required for entrance into the following programs.