Special Education 504 s LREs IEPs What it

Special Education, 504 s, LREs, IEPs: What it all means for you

No one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities. (504, ADA)

504 Plans: provide access “level the playing field” Examples: special seating, peanut-free classroom IEPs: Provides specialized instructional services Sets progress objectives Examples: classroom aide, resource room, directions read aloud, word bank for writing IFSP: (ages 0 -2) Goals, services, and support Often in child’s own home

Massachusetts 10 Disability Categories: • Autism • Emotional • Developmentally Delayed • Communication • Intellectual • Physical • Sensory • Specific Learning Disability • Neurological • Other Health issue

IEP Eligibility Criteria • The student is identified as having one of the disabilities defined in state and Federal laws • The student is unable to progress effectively in a regular classroom • Evaluation includes: medical concerns treated by a physician interviews with parents and staff parent information specific tests

What if a child is not found eligible? • Parents can reject the finding. • Parents may choose to have an independent evaluation (IEE) • Parents can request a re-determination of eligibility • Parents can appeal

6 Principles of the Law Free appropriate public education (FAPE) Appropriate evaluation Individualized educational program (IEP) Least restrictive environment (LRE) Parent and student participation in decision -making • Procedural due process • • •

According to Massachusetts Special Education Regulations, “Instructional Support” shall include: • Remedial instruction for students • Consultative services for teachers • Availability of reading instruction at the elementary level • Appropriate services for linguistic minority students • Other services consistent with effective instructional practices and the requirements of MGL 71 B Section 2

Accommodations v. Modifications: Accommodations: • Changes to the way a child is expected to learn • Change to the environment or format Modifications: • Changes to what your child is expected to learn • Changes to the curriculum

Percentage of Students with LD

Composition of Students with Disabilities

Assessment Discussion Questions • • What factors affect student achievement? What factors can schools can control ? What factors can’t schools control for? What do highly effective educators due inside and outside the classroom to support student learning? Why do you think classroom assessment is important? How does feedback through assessment affect student learning? How might you recommend assessing students? What self-assessment practices might you use in your classroom?