Special education is a process that begins with identifying a student’s individual needs and progresses through the identification, evaluation, and placement of services that meet those needs. Special education services can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a school, or in a special center.
When a student is identified as having a disability, the process of figuring out what services are needed begins. The student’s Individual Educational Program (IEP) statement, created in collaboration with the student, family, and teachers, outlines the specific services that the student needs. The IEP is a legal document, and it should be updated as the student’s needs change.
When a student needs specialized services, the district must first determine if those services are available in the district. If the services are not available in the district, the district will work with the family to find a placement that meets the student’s needs. If the services are available in the district, but the student does not fit into a specific category, the district will work with the family to find a placement that meets the student’s needs.
Once a placement is determined, the district will begin the process of evaluation. The evaluation process involves meeting with the student and family to assess the student’s current level of functioning and to identify any areas of improvement. The evaluation should also assess the student’s needs and the services that are available in the district.
The district will then determine if the student needs special education services in addition to the regular curriculum. If the student needs special education services in addition to the regular curriculum, the district will create an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) that outlines the specific services that the student will receive.
The district will then place the student in a school or special center that offers the appropriate services. The student’s parents or guardians should be involved in the process of selecting the school or center.
Special education is a complex process that requires the involvement of many people. The process of identifying a student’s needs, evaluating those needs, and placing the student in a school or center that provides the appropriate services is a continuous process that begins with identifying a student’s disability.