Special Education is an integral part of the total framework of education to assist schools in providing an appropriate education to all students within their jurisdiction. As a support system, Special Education provides unique and specialized resources, which enable students with special needs to maximize their potential.

The resources of Special Education can best be visualized as an array of services ranging from specialized instruction providing for the severely handicapped to the supportive assistance of consultive help to regular education teachers. Currently, Special Education services are provided consistent with the concept of the least restrictive environment. Team staffings, individual program plans, and parental involvement are all key in working with students who have special needs. Comprehensive evaluations of all students suspected to be in need of special services are prerequisite to the development of an individual education program. The programs provided by the Special Education Department are designed to be harmonious with the needs detailed by that plan.

We believe that:

• All students have the ability to learn.
• All students have a right to a free education appropriate with their needs.
• Thorough child identification procedures should be preceded by pre-referral interventions.
• Student and parent rights should be safeguarded through Due Process procedures and through confidentiality with regards to personal information.
• Students should be assessed in an objective, non-discriminatory manner with regard to personal information.
• All students are unique learners. Therefore, student programs should be individualized and goal oriented.
• Student programs should be established via the multidisciplinary program as dictated by their ability to succeed.
• Students with special needs should be placed into the least restrictive environment possible.
• Special educators and mainstream educators should receive continuous skill development, training, and support.
• All learners with special needs have the right to earn a regular high school diploma.