The Board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The Board will provide a free appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities, and receive services in a regular education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student. Students requiring special education services shall be placed in the least restrictive environment possible appropriate to the needs of each individual student. The appropriate education for each student is written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The district shall maintain policies and procedures to meet Least Restrictive Environment requirements, as specified in federal and state rules. To maximum extent appropriate, children and students with disabilities, shall be educated with children who are nondisabled; and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children and students with disabilities from the general education environment occurs only if the nature and severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes, with the use of supplementary aids and services, cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in Board policy or in their IEPs for graduation. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.
Children from birth through age two and children age three through five are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The District will work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age two. This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVIEWED: 05/17/2021
REVIEWED: 02/19/2024
