 |
 |
Overview of Special Education Services
All students, birth-21 years old, are eligible for specially designed special education services. Students qualify under guidelines established by federal law and directed in each state by the Department of Education.
The following are eligibility categories established by federal law P.L. 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Act (I.D.E.A.), 1990.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Communication Disorder
- Deaf-blindness
- Hearing Impairment
- Mental Retardation
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impaired
- Emotional Disturbance
- Specific Learning Disability
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Vision Impairment
Services Provided to Students
Services are specifically designed based on individual needs of the student. These are provided by a teacher qualified to teach in the area of the disability or by regular education staff with the consultation of the specially qualified teacher or specialist.
These services may include a combination of the following:
- Evaluation
- Consultation
- Specially designed instruction
- Modifications to the curriculum
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Augmentative communication
- Autism services
- Vision services
- Hearing services
- Assistive technology
- Occupational therapy
These services may be provided in any of the following settings or combinations of settings:
- Regular classroom
- Learning Resource Center
- Educational Resource Center
- Emotional Growth Center
- Developmental Learning Center
- Life Skills Center
- Alternative Schools
- Tutor
- State operated programs (Oregon School for the Blind, Oregon School for the Deaf)
- Residential Treatment Programs (Oregon State Hospital)
The students who should be referred include any student who has or is suspected of having problems related to:
- Behavior
- Learning
- Health
- Speech and Language
- Motor
- Vision
When a student is referred for services, a screening occurs and/or an evaluation may be recommended. Training staff, which might include a school psychologist, speech clinician, testing specialist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, autism specialist, will complete observations, conduct diagnostic evaluations and gather information from a variety of source. All initial evaluations are made with the signed permission and knowledge of the parent and/or guardian. Parent/guardian input is considered at all stages of the evaluation, eligibility and placement.
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an individualized education plan. The IEP is written by a team of professionals together with the student and parent/guardians. All eligible students with disabilities, ages 5-21, will have an IEP. The IEP is a written document that describes:
- Specially designed instruction
- Direct services
- Related services
- Modifications and adaptations
- Student’s present level of performance
- Goals and objectives reflecting the student’s special education needs
- Least restrictive environment where services will be provided
- Transition support and/or services for students 14 and older
Where are students referred for screening?
Each school in Milton-Freewater School District has a pre-referral team of school personnel. Parents may contact administrators, counselors or the student’s teacher(s) for referral information specific to the individual school.
Families, School personnel, Preschool providers, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Staff, Physicians or any community agency can refer a student for services.