Student Support Services

Gifted

The Georgia Board of Education defines a gifted student as "a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, creative, and/or artistic ability(ies), possesses exceptional leadership skills, or excels in specific academic fields and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The Department of Special Education (DSE) facilitates the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations to students with disabilities (SWDs) ages 3-21 that reside in the City of Decatur. This is accomplished by partnering with students, families, schools, and the community. Special Education programs and services are provided on a continuum ranging from consultative to full special education services. This continuum is designed to ensure that programs are available to students with disabilities and that the least restrictive environment is determined based on unique student needs.

The mission of the Special Education Program is to individualize the instruction and support of special education students based on specific identified needs in order for them to achieve at their highest level.

We believe...

• The focus of special education instruction is to create individualized education plans that drive our services.

• Inclusion is a philosophy where all students are members of the general education classroom as a community.

• A spectrum of services offered both within and outside of the general education classroom will help bridge the learning gaps for special education students.

• Behavioral, emotional, and social learning are critical components for students with deficits in these areas.

Inclusion & Special Needs Policy

At DHS, we believe that fostering environments of inclusivity—both in terms of access and accessibility--benefits all students and is a cornerstone of a free and public education.