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Home > INSTRUCTION > Special Education

What do parents of students with disabilities need to know?

How does the special education process work for students aged 6 to 21?
How do we identify and intervene with young children — birth to 5 years old?
What does the law require states to do?
Resources that Support Parents

How does the special education process work for students aged 6 to 21?

Special education means specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of an eligible child with a disability. Special education ensures that all eligible children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that is designated to meet their unique needs and to prepare them for post-secondary outcomes and independent living. Special education provides instruction and related services, at no cost to the parent, to enable the child with a disability to have access to, and make progress in, the State curriculum in the regular classroom to the maximum extent appropriate. Special education services may be provided in the general or special education classroom, separate or on nonpublic schools, residential, home or hospital settings.

  1. Who is eligible and how are students identified for special education services?
  2. What is an IEP and how does the IEP process work?
  3. What are my rights and role as a parent of a child with disabilities?
  4. Does my child participate in State assessments?
  5. What are the graduation requirements for my child?
  6. What support is available to help my child transition to life after school?
  7. What are common abbreviations used in special education?

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  Last Updated 5/15/2020 11:05 AM