Special Education

 

The Department of Special Education and Student Services is committed to providing support and services to students, parents, staff, and administration consistent with Federal and State mandates. This is accomplished through aligning with the district’s vision for a rigorous and relevant education for all students through its 3E platform of Excellence, Equity, and Engagement.

 

The core values of the Department are Professionalism, Adaptability, Support, and Empathy also known as PASE. It is our goal is to ensure the academic, emotional, and social well-being of our students through school programming as well as through family and community partnerships. It is our responsibility to provide an environment that prepares students to pursue college or career opportunities through meaningful learning experiences.

 

 

We provide a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to all eligible students with disabilities as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Article 14 of the Illinois School Code and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability.

 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides for a free and appropriate education for all students with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. The term “students with disabilities”, for purposes of the IDEA, means students for whom it is determined, through definitions and procedures described under these laws and regulations, that special education and related services are required.  The district supports the rights of all its students to be educated to the extent appropriate in general education settings and attempts to be as inclusive as possible in its practices in serving students with disabilities.