Special Education

Special Education for students is defined by each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students must qualify for a specific level of special education through a formal evaluation and staff-in process. Each program is governed by local, state and federal guidelines. Credit earned in these programs can be applied toward graduation requirements. All courses may be taken multiple times per year and for multiple years depending on the individual needs of students. Participation in these courses is based upon teacher and/or counselor recommendations and/or IEP goal areas.

In Iowa, students with IEPs must meet the same basic state graduation requirements as all other students in order to earn a regular high school diploma. This means four years of English/Language Arts, three years of mathematics, three years of social studies, and three years of science, plus the completion of the district’s physical education requirements. The student’s IEP team works together — typically beginning around 8th grade — to develop a course-of-study path that accommodates the student’s needs while ensuring alignment with these standards. Benton Community generally operates from a co-teaching model in order to support students in achieving these requirements while also addressing their specially designed instruction (SDI) goal areas. If a student receiving special education services is unable to meet those requirements, then Benton Community may award a “certificate of completion/attendance” instead of a diploma. This certificate is different from a regular diploma and may not be accepted by some employers or post-secondary institutions. 

Course List