What is Special Education?
The federal law for the education of students with disabilities is the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA explains how students with disabilities will receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). IDEA recognizes the importance of a parent’s knowledge of their child’s needs to assist in creating an education plan for their child. Parents and school must work in partnership to determine the child’s needs, develop a written plan to address those needs, and provide services identified in the plan at no cost to the parent. This document is called an Individualized Education Program.
A student's disabilities and needs are determined by an Individual Education Program Team comprised of individuals familiar with the student and knowledgeable in special education. Teams may include: general education teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, parents, related services personnel and school administrators. This team determines if a student qualifies as a student with a disability and what services are needed.
Further questions regarding special services can be directed to Jessie Thorson, Director of Pupil Services at 715-294-4140 extension 7501 or email thorsonj@osceolak12.org