What is Special Education?

Special Education is specially designed instruction to meet the individual needs of eligible exceptional students guaranteed under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public law 105-17 and WV code Chapter 18, Article 20, Section 5.  These laws mandate that all children with special needs are entitled to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Special Education Cycle

There is a step-by-step process that the county school system follows in planning and providing special education programs and services for every child with special needs.  Parents should be involved in every step of the special education cycle.

Referral
When a parent or school personnel feels a child is not making progress in school, the information is provided in writing to the student assistance team (SAT) so that modifications can begin, data can be collected, and/or an evaluation can be conducted.

Evaluation
A multidisciplinary evaluation is a series of procedures to determine a child's abilities.  Conducted by a team of trained teachers and specialists, the evaluation determines the child's strengths, weaknesses, and educational needs.

Eligibility
In order for a child to receive special education services, the child must first qualify according to guidelines.  At the eligibility meeting, a decision is made as to whether a child meets the program requirements to receive special education services.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Every child in special education must have an IEP.  The IEP is a written plan, developed by an IEP committee, describing the specially designed program needed to meet the needs of the individual child.

Placement
The IEP committee makes the placement decision, identifying the appropriate options for providing the specialized instruction and related services in the least restrictive environment.

Implementation of the IEP
After the IEP is written and a placement decision is made, the instructional process begins.  Parents and school personnel must work together to make the IEP and placement work for the child.

Annual Review
At least once per year, a formal review is conducted.  This review is an ongoing process to determine if changes are needed in your child's program.  Every three years, the IEP team meets to determine if a special student continues to be eligible for special education.

Related services are support services required to assist a child to benefit from special education.  Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Audiology;
• Counseling;
• Occupational therapy;
• Orientation and mobility services;
• Parent counseling/training;
• Physical therapy;
• Psychological services;
• Recreation therapy;
• Rehabilitation counseling;
• School health services;
• Social work services;
• Special transportation;
• Speech/language therapy.

Academic and social integration is the interaction of students with special needs with their non-disabled peers in the same classroom or setting.  This reinforces the concept of 'least restrictive environment' and develops relationships among all students.

Least restrictive environment (LRE) is the educational placement that provides the unique learning and behavioral needs of a student while providing integration to the maximum extent possible.  Types of placement (from least to most restrictive environment) include:

• Regular education program:  full-time with modification;
• Regular education program:  part-time with resource services or special class services;
• Special education program:  separate class;
• Special education program:  special school;
• Special education program:  out-of-school environment;
• Special education program:  residential facility.

Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that promote movement from school to adult life.  Transition from school to adult life focuses on career preparation and life skills.  A successful transition is dependent upon the cooperation and shared responsibilities of all individuals involved. Please contact Andrea Dunlaney, Transition Coordinator, at adulaney@access.k12.wv.us for more information.

Other important information
WV Department of Education Office of Special Education and Hancock County Schools Special Education Department offer brochures on the following subjects:

• The Mediation Process for Special Education
• The Complaint Process for Special Education
• Early Resolution for Complaint Investigations
• Special Education Due Process Hearings
• Procedural Safeguards
• Rights and Responsibilities:  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act
• IEP Parent Reference Guide

For your copy, click on 'Inquiries' and type in your request.