The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The board shall provide a free appropriate education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. Special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or the maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education shall attend regular education classes, participate in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a regular education setting to the maximum extent possible appropriate to the needs of each individual student.
The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements stated in board policy as modified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP) consistent with board policy, for graduation. However, beginning with the graduating class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts and three years each of mathematics, science and social students, known as 4-3-3-3, aligned to state required standards, with support and accommodations as described in their IEP for graduation with a regular diploma. A student’s IEP Team may determine how a particular student meets 4-3-3-3.
The superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete requirements for graduation with a regular diploma, including 4-3-3-3. Student who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach maximum age of twenty-one.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.
Children from birth through age 2 and age 3 through 5 shall be provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district shall work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This shall be done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
Approved: November 25, 2019
Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023