School districts must be committed to instructing and providing educational opportunities for all students. Educational outcomes focused on ambitious standards must be set for all students. Improving educational results for students with learning challenges is especially essential in ensuring equal opportunity, full participation, independence, and economic self-sufficiency.
This guide assists teachers and administrators with providing meaningful individualized special education services to students. It provides a clear understanding of the Special Education Department, whose mission is based on three key tenets:
1. Involvement and progress of each student in the general curriculum, including the addressing of the student’s unique learning challenges.
2. Involvement of parents, students, special educators, general educators, and administrators in meeting the individualized educational needs of students.
3. Critical need to prepare students for independence, employment, and post-school activities.
This Special Education Guide contains current philosophy, policies, and procedures related to special education, identification, assessment, eligibility criteria, and services. Many resources are incorporated in the guide. It is a reference and resource for teachers and administrators to meet the educational needs of all students. I thank the administrators, teachers, special education service providers, and staff who reviewed this guide and provided input for its development. It provides clarity of expectations and assurances students receive a quality education through shared commitment.