Special Education Home

Mission Statement:

Together, with students, families, and educators, our mission is to create a community of connectedness, inclusivity, and belonging.

 

What is Special Education?

Congress enacted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), in 1975, to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving the results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families. This landmark law is currently enacted as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 1997 and, more recently, in 2004.

Special Education is a continuum of services and supports designed for children with disabilities. Our success as educators is measured against the achievement of all children entrusted to our care.  The mission of Special Education is to ensure the provision of appropriate services and support for all children with special needs and their families in every school, so that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and fulfilling independent lives.

Research confirms that the most effective schools are those that design a system of integrated service delivery models that provide targeted interventions, access to rigorous curriculum, social-emotional learning, and positive behavioral support for both general and special populations. Through teamwork, collaborative problem-solving, a focus on student learning, and a belief that all children have a right to quality education, we will ensure educational opportunity for all.