Special Education Services (K-12)

All school districts are required to identify (via a comprehensive evaluation) and service handicapped students who are in need of special education.  Each student who meets criteria for one or more of the IDEA (federal law) or Chapter 14 (state law) permitted 13 disabilities (see brochure) and has specific needs that can only be met via a special education teacher, is to have an individualized educational plan, IEP, based upon their strengths, needs, and levels.  Ongoing progress monitoring of student goals must be completed.  The IEP is good for one year; at which time it is reviewed with student data.  Students must have their needs met in the Least Restrictive Environment – the regular education environment to the maximum extent possible given any types of supports which can include adjusted curriculum, materials, accommodations, one to one paraprofessionals, etc. 

The district presently serves 435 Special Education students.  The majority of our students receive services in the regular education class with learning and/or speech support.  Approximately 10% of our disabled IEP’d students, with more complex and severe disabilities, receive services, at district expense, in IU classes or other out of district locations.  The district has 18 special education teachers/therapists, 20 part time paraprofessionals, contracted OT/PT therapists, and 3-4 PCA’s to provide in district services.  All staff assigned to a student are responsible for implementing the student’s IEP, including students with a speech IEP.

Special Education is funded by the district general budget, special education subsidy, IDEA grant monies, and Medicaid school based billing for medically related services.  Special Education services also include related services/therapies necessary to make progress on the child’s IEP.

Special Education professionals are located in all of our district buildings.