About Us

About the Special education Department

The Office of Special Education is proud to offer a continuum of services for students with all types of needs or supports. We are committed to helping each individual student succeed not just in academic achievement, but in their social, emotional, and behavioral growth. We know that students thrive when home and school work together, which is why we invite you to partner with us in your child’s education.

Our continuum of services approach allows us to help each child, regardless of support needed.

At the least restrictive end, we offer a full inclusion model with modifications/accommodations and paraprofessional support. Next along the continuum is a resource model where students receive some specialized instruction in a small group setting.

At the most sophisticated end of the continuum, we offer special programs for students with significant disabilities who require a smaller classroom setting with increased levels of adult supports. The goal is always to have all students included in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate for them.

All but two grade levels in our district are assigned a grade level special education teacher. Shared grade level assignments vary year to year based on student needs.

In addition to grade level special education teachers, we also have special program teachers to work with students with more significant disabilities who require a higher level of adult support.

These programs include STRIVE and Discovery and they are offered in each of the three schools. STRIVE is primarily for students who require Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) and functional life skills. Discovery is mainly for students’ whose significant behavioral challenges impact their ability to be safe and available for instruction in the general education classroom on a consistent basis. 

In addition, we offer a Transition Program for students ages 18-21 (inclusive) who require additional vocational skills and training to prepare for post-secondary life. Our Transition students are proud of their newly renovated classroom which boasts a state-of-the-are kitchen and washer and dryer for them to practice daily living skills when they are not on work sites in the community.

Our district staff consists of a BCBA, OT, PT, and Dyslexia Specialist. Each building has at least one full-time Speech Language Pathologist, Social Worker, and School Psychologist. In addition, we have one full-time Speech Language Pathologist Assistant and Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.