Children are placed into a special education program following the administration of a multidisciplinary team evaluation. The child’s parents/guardians are a part of the evaluation team. This evaluation is coordinated by the school psychologist. In order for a student to meet the educational criteria for a disability and be eligible for Special Education services, the student must meet two criteria. First, the student must qualify as a student with a disability. Second, the student must have a need for specially designed instruction. If the child meets this two pronged criteria, recommendations for services are made through this Evaluation Report (ER). An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for children that are found eligible for special education services following the completion of an ER. Students cannot receive special education support without permission from parents/legal guardian.
Inclusive Practices
The term inclusion is often referred to as the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). By law, it is the IEP Team that decides on the educational placement for an individual student. In accordance with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) follows these guidelines:
- To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are nondisabled.
- Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.