Special Education Site Links
Purpose of Special Education
Special education is designed to support students with disabilities so they can access their education and make meaningful progress in school. It is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. Instead, special education services are individualized and based on each student’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.
The purpose of special education is to:
Ensure students with disabilities have access to learning
Support progress in academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and functional skills
Provide instruction, services, and supports that help students be successful in school and prepare for life after high school
Special education services are provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is developed by a team that includes the student (when appropriate), parents or guardians, and school staff.
Student-Specific and Individualized
Every student who receives special education services has different needs. Decisions about services, supports, and placement are made by the IEP team and are based on:
Evaluation information
The student’s current skills and areas of need
How the disability affects access to and progress in school
Input from families, teachers, and the student
Special education is meant to support access, not limit opportunities. Services are adjusted as students grow, change, and make progress over time.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Federal and state law require that students with disabilities be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that students are educated with their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent appropriate, while still receiving the supports and services they need to be successful.
LRE does not mean the same placement for every student. Instead:
Placement decisions are individualized
Supports and services are considered before moving to more restrictive settings
The focus is on both access to instruction and meaningful progress
The IEP team determines the setting where the student can learn and grow effectively, while being included with peers as much as appropriate.
A Focus on Growth and Progress
Special education focuses on helping students make appropriate and meaningful progress toward their IEP goals. Student progress is monitored regularly, and IEP teams meet to review data and make changes when needed.
As students get older, special education also includes transition planning, which helps students build skills for adulthood, including independent living, employment, and community participation.
Partnering With Families
Families are essential members of the special education team. Collaboration between home and school helps ensure supports are meaningful and aligned with student and family goals. We encourage families to ask questions, share concerns, and stay involved throughout the process.
Our shared goal is to support each student as an individual and provide the tools, instruction, and supports they need to succeed.
Continuum Of Special Education Services
Special education services are provided along a continuum of services, ranging from less restrictive to more restrictive environments. A student’s placement may change over time based on their needs and progress.
Least Restrictive → More Restrictive
🟢 General Education Classroom with Supports
Accommodations and modifications
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Related services provided in the classroom
⬇️
🟡 General Education with Small Group or Pull-Out Services
Targeted instruction outside the classroom for specific skills
Combination of general education and special education support
⬇️
🟠 Special Education Setting
More intensive instruction and supports
Smaller class size or specialized programming
⬇️
🔴 Highly Specialized or Alternative Settings
Instruction in settings designed to meet significant needs
Used only when necessary to support access and progress
Important to Know
Placement decisions are always made by the IEP team, including families
The goal is to provide the right support at the right time