Special Education

MACCRAY Schools provides special education and related services to children from Birth to age 21. Students must meet the state of Minnesota eligibility criteria to be eligible to receive services determined through an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting or an Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting. These plans describe the student's Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance, special education needs, goals and objectives, accommodations & modifications, and services designed to meet the student's individual needs.

Federal and State laws govern Special Education. These laws determine who is eligible to receive Special Education and how those services should be delivered.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law which regulates special education and protects the rights of students with disabilities.

States can also provide several mandates, in addition to IDEA, that influence the way Special Education assessments, services, and timelines are handled.

Students who receive Special Education are entitled to a "Free and Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) in the "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE).

This means that students with disabilities are entitled to receive appropriate special education support, at no cost to their families. Additionally, they should be educated with their non-disabled peers as often as possible.

“Special education” is instruction, specific to the child, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. It is important to note: Students with disabilities are general education students first. They receive special education support services in conjunction with the general education curriculum. Special education is an instructional service, not a place.”

The (TSES) Total Special Education System - MACCRAY https://www.swsc.org/TSESMACCRAY is a summary of procedures for MACCRAY Public Schools special education services.