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What is Special Education?
Special education is instruction that is designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This means education that is individually developed to address a specific child’s needs that result from his or her disability.
What are the signs that will tell whether a child needs special education services?
How is a student’s eligibility for special education determined?
What is an IEP?
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program (also called Individualized Education Plan, Individual Educational Program, etc.). An IEP is a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in accordance with Wisconsin State Statute. 300.321-300.324.
The IEP is a blueprint that outlines a student’s progress, strengths and weaknesses. Although a student’s IEP must be kept confidential, general education teachers who have contact with a special education student must have access to it. Teachers are asked to d review their students’ IEPs regularly and thoroughly so that they gain an insight into their progress.
Who attends an IEP meeting and what should I expect to happen?
The parent/guardian of the child attends the IEP meeting, as well as at least one regular education teacher, at least one special education teacher of the child, a qualified representative of the District, and an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results (who may also be one of the other listed members). At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and whenever appropriate, the child with a disability may also attend.
To prepare for an IEP meeting, a parent may wish to review current academic progress reports for the child, and be ready to ask questions about those reports.
Everyone attending an IEP meeting should be prepared to discuss:
- grade level learning expectations for all students based on the academic standards
- the impact of the student’s disability on grade level learning expectations
- the student’s strengths and disability related needs.
What is IDEA?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the nation’s federal special education law that ensures public schools serve the educational needs of students with disabilities. IDEA requires that schools provide special education services to eligible students as outlined in a student’s IEP. IDEA also provides very specific requirements to guarantee a free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). APE and LRE are the protected rights of every eligible child, in all fifty states and U.S. Territories.
What is meant by least restrictive environment (LRE)?
The term "least restrictive environment" refers to the placement of students with exceptionalities in the most advantageous educational placement suitable for their needs. This standard is mandated by IDEA.
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