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SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Response to Intervention

The RtI process is a multi-step approach to providing services and interventions to students who struggle with learning and/or behavior at increasing levels of intensity. The progress students make at each stage of intervention is closely monitored. Results of this monitoring are used to make decisions about the need for further research-based instruction and/or intervention in general education.  The RtI process has the potential to limit the amount of academic failure that any student experiences and to increase the accuracy of targeting instruction. Its use could also reduce the number of children who are mistakenly identified of having learning disabilities when their learning problems are actually due to cultural differences or lack of adequate instruction. Information and data gathered by an RtI process can lead to earlier identification of children who are in need of special education services.  The RtI process is defined as a three- or four-tier model of school supports that uses research-based academic and/or behavior interventions. Knippa ISD utilizes a four-tier model that is student centered at every stage. The emphasis is to discover a manner in which to create positive and successful learning experiences. 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Dept. of Education. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR), a component of the U.S. Dept. of Education, enforce Section 504.  Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Section 504 requires districts to provide students with disabilities appropriate services and accommodations designed to meet their individual needs to the same extent as the needs of students without disabilities are met.

Child Find Statement

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students.  For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation and placement into Section 504 services, please contact the District’s Section 504 Coordinator Elisa Santos at  830-934-2176  or by email: elisa.santos@knippaisd.net.

• Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process

• Partners Resource Network

•  Special Education Information Center

• Texas Project First

• Senate Bill 139, Notice to Families

• IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS and Section 504  - English - Updated 08/20/2025

• IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS and Section 504 - Spanish - Updated 08/20/2025