The Board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The Board shall 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 possible appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to the maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education shall attend an education program that is in the least restrictive environment possible. Students requiring special education shall attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student.
The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements stated in Board policy as modified in their IEP consistent with Board policy or for graduation. However, beginning with the graduating class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts and three years each of mathematics, science and social students, known as 4-3-3-3, aligned to state required standards, with support and accommodations as described in their IEP for graduation with a regular diploma. A student’s IEP Team may determine how a particular student meets 4-3-3-3.
The Superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete requirements for graduation with a regular diploma, including 4-3-3-3. Students who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach a maximum age of twenty-one.
It shall be 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 age three through five shall be provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The District shall 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 shall be done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
*Revised: 06/10/91
*Revised: 01/09/95
*Reviewed: 05/12/97
*Reviewed: 02/11/02
*Reviewed: 04/08/02
*Reviewed: 01/15/07
*Revised: 12/13/10
*Reviewed: 08/12/13
*Reviewed: 12/11/17
*Revised: 02/10/20
*Revised: 12/12/22