Special Education

Partnering Together for Student Success

Every Child Has the Right to Learn

Public schools provide special education services to eligible students with disabilities to help them access their education and make meaningful progress. These services are provided at no cost to families.

What Is Special Education?

Special education is individualized support designed to meet a student's unique learning needs.

Services May Include:

• Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI)
• Speech and Language Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Counseling Services
• Behavioral Supports
• Assistive Technology
• Other related services as determined by the IEP Team

How Does a Student Qualify?

A student may be eligible if:

• They have a disability recognized under federal or state law.
• The disability impacts educational performance.
• They require specialized instruction to be successful in school.

Eligibility is determined through an evaluation process conducted by qualified professionals.

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan developed by a team that includes parents, educators, and specialists.

The IEP Includes:

• Student strengths and areas of need
• Annual goals
• Services and supports
• Accommodations and modifications, when appropriate
• Progress monitoring

The IEP is reviewed at least annually to ensure it continues to meet the student's needs.

Parent Participation

Parents are valued members of the IEP team and have the right to:

• Attend and participate in IEP meetings
• Share information about their child
• Review assessment results and educational records
• Receive updates on progress
• Collaborate with school staff on educational planning

Strong partnerships between families and schools help support positive outcomes for students.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Students receiving special education services are educated alongside their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent appropriate.

The IEP team determines the supports and educational setting that best meet each student's individual needs.

Supporting Learning at Home

Families can support student success by:

• Encouraging regular attendance
• Establishing consistent routines
• Maintaining communication with school staff
• Reviewing progress updates
• Celebrating growth and accomplishments
• Sharing questions and concerns with the educational team

Working Together for Student Success

Special education is a partnership between families and schools. By working together, we can ensure students receive the support they need to access their education, make meaningful progress, and achieve their individual goals.

Questions?

Please contact: