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Welcome to Special Education at Saint Louis Park Public Schools!
The Saint Louis Park Schools Special Education Team is dedicated to supporting every learner by providing high-quality, individualized services to students with disabilities. Special education services are delivered in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that all eligible students have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). These services are designed to meet each student’s unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living (IDEA §601(d)(1).
Special education is specialized instruction provided at no cost to families, tailored specifically to a child’s educational needs due to a disability. In order to qualify, a child must meet specific eligibility criteria as defined by the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government. It’s important to note that special education is an instructional service—not a place.
Saint Louis Park Public Schools currently serves students from birth through age 22 across all school and community buildings. Each school is equipped with licensed special education teachers, related service providers, and support staff who offer intervention, comprehensive evaluations, and instruction aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
We provide a wide range of service delivery models to ensure students receive support in the least restrictive environment. These services may include:
Home-based instruction for infants and toddlers
1:1 individualized teaching
Small group instruction
Inclusion support within general education classrooms
Specialized programs or off-site instruction, as determined by the student’s IEP team
Our goal is to partner with families, GenEd staff, and community agencies to create inclusive, supportive environments where every student can thrive.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Saint Louis Park Schools Special Education Team. We’re here to help. Here's the consent form for a TSES request.
Child Find Procedures
Child Find Procedures
In compliance with IDEA and Minnesota Rules Chapter 3525, Saint Louis Park Public Schools implements Child Find to locate, identify, and evaluate all students with suspected disabilities from birth through age 22.
Procedures include:
Public notices on the district website and at community centers
Collaboration with ECFE, pediatricians, and community-based programs
Universal screening tools (for early childhood)
Referral pathways for teachers, parents, and agencies
Timely response to referrals within the required 30-day timeline
References:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 CFR §300.111
Minnesota Rule 3525.0755 – Child Find
Initial Evaluation and Reevaluation Processes
Initial Evaluation and Reevaluation Processes
MTSS framework in Minnesota
MTSS framework in Minnesota
MnMTSS (Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a statewide, evidence-based framework that integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for all students.
Core components include:
Tier 1: High-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction for all students.
Tier 2: Targeted small-group interventions based on student data.
Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant needs.
MnMTSS is designed to reduce inappropriate referrals to special education by ensuring general education interventions and supports are tried first, and documented.
Reference: Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), MnMTSS Framework (2021).
Initial evaluations within MTSS
Initial evaluations within MTSS
Referral stage
A written referral for an evaluation often follows documented interventions in Tiers 2 and 3 from staff or parent
Schools must show data demonstrating that the student has received interventions and progress monitoring, and that concerns persist.
Parent consent
Before moving into the special education process, informed parent consent in writing is required.
This ensures families understand what has already been attempted through MTSS and why further evaluation is being recommended.
Timeline 30 school days in Minnesota
Once consent is obtained, the district must complete the initial evaluation within 30 school days (Minn. R. 3525.2550).
This evaluation must assess all areas of suspected need, including academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning.
Eligibility determination
Data from MTSS interventions is considered alongside standardized testing, observations, and interviews.
The evaluation team determines whether the student qualifies under one of the 13 IDEA categories.
Importantly, a student cannot be found eligible if the primary factor is lack of appropriate instruction in reading/math or limited English proficiency (IDEA 34 CFR § 300.306).
Why link MTSS to initial evaluations?
Why link MTSS to initial evaluations?
Ensures special education is not the first intervention, students have already received documented, research-based supports.
Prevents over-identification of students of color, multilingual learners, and students from low-income backgrounds.
Strengthens collaboration between general education, ML, and special education staff.
Provides a compliance safeguard: showing the district followed MDE/IDEA expectations prior to moving into special education.
References
References
Minnesota Department of Education. (2021). Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) Framework
Minnesota Rule 3525.2550: Initial Evaluation Timelines.
IDEA Regulations: 34 CFR § 300.301–300.311 (Evaluation Procedures).
Minnesota Department of Education. (2024). Total Special Education System (TSES) Manual Guidance.
In practice:
An MTSS-aligned evaluation flow might look like this:
Tier 1: Core instruction → progress monitored.
Tier 2: Targeted small-group support → documented.
Tier 3: Intensive interventions → fidelity checks.
Referral: Written request for evaluation.
Consent & 30-Day Evaluation: Comprehensive review of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning.
Eligibility & Services: If eligible, IEP developed; if not, student continues to receive MTSS supports.
Eligibility Determination Procedures
Eligibility Determination Procedures
Eligibility is determined by a licensed team based on:
A disability as defined under one or more of the 13 IDEA categories
Demonstrated educational impact requiring specially designed instruction
The team completes an evaluation summary report (ESR) and documents all eligibility findings. Parents are informed and provided Prior Written Notice.
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.8 and §300.306
MN Rule 3525.1341 – Criteria for Determination
IEP Development and Service Provision
IEP Development and Service Provision
Once eligibility is confirmed:
An IEP is developed within 30 calendar days
Parents are invited to participate as equal team members
Goals are measurable and services are clearly outlined with frequency, duration, and location
Services begin promptly and are reviewed at least annually
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.320–300.324
MN Rule 3525.2810 – IEP Requirements
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Decision-Making
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Decision-Making
Saint Louis Park Public Schools is committed to educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
LRE considerations include:
Use of general education with supports before more restrictive settings
Continuum of alternative placements
Documentation of why less restrictive placements are not appropriate
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.114–300.117
MN Rule 3525.0400 – Placement in the Least Restrictive Environment
Procedural Safeguards and Prior Written Notice
Procedural Safeguards and Prior Written Notice
Parents are informed of their rights at:
Initial referral or request for evaluation
Annual IEP meetings
Upon request
Prior Written Notice (PWN) is provided for:
Proposals or refusals to initiate or change identification, evaluation, placement, or services
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.503–300.504
MN Rule 3525.3600 – Prior Written Notice
Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Saint Louis Park Public Schools complies with IDEA and MN rules related to discipline:
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) required for removals over 10 days
Behavioral plans reviewed and revised as needed
Continued services provided after the 10th cumulative day of removal in a school year
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.530–300.536
MN Rule 3525.4770 – Discipline Procedures
Extended School Year (ESY) Decision-Making
Extended School Year (ESY) Decision-Making
ESY is determined annually based on:
Regression/recoupment data
Critical skill maintenance
IEP team decision
Documentation of ESY decisions and services is included in the IEP.
References:
IDEA, 34 CFR §300.106
MN Rule 3525.0755 Subp. 1a – Extended School Year Services
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