Overview of Special Education
The Southeast Polk Community School District provides special education services to qualifying students who have identified disabilities and need special education services. Services may be provided to meet academic, social, emotional, behavioral, adaptive, and/or physical needs of students.
Special education services are provided consistent with federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA entitles each qualifying student to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). After a comprehensive evaluation, if it is determined that the student does have a disability and needs special education services, school and AEA staff will meet with the parent and develop personalized annual educational goals for areas in which the student requires additional support. The team will also determine if accommodations, program modifications, or other supports are needed by the student. Decisions made are documented in the student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP). The IEP is then reviewed and updated with the parent; at least annually.
Least Restrictive Environment:
Whenever possible all special education services are provided in the regular classroom and students are taught from the general education curriculum. Students are taught in special education classrooms and from modified curriculum’s only when required by the needs of the student.
All schools in the district are equipped to meet the educational needs of students with mild and moderate disabilities. In most cases students with disabilities are served in their neighborhood school. At the elementary level students needing more intensive services may be served in district-wide programs at selected schools. Four elementary buildings have district-wide programs. Clay Elementary and Four Mile Elementary have programs designed to support students with more intense behavioral needs. Delaware Elementary and Centennial Elementary have programs to meet the needs of students with more profound intellectual disabilities.
Parent Involvement and Special Education Resources:
Southeast Polk Community School District is committed to collaboratively working with parents to support students. Regular meetings are held throughout each school year for parents who are interested in collaborating with other parents, learning more about special education, and working to identify ways to improve services for students. Click on this link to learn more about these meetings and to access links to a number of helpful special education resources.
Special Education Resources
Southeast Polk Special Education Service Delivery Plan
