EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Special Education Code No. 603.3
The Board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The Board will provide a free, appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one, or to maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities, and receive services in the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team. The appropriate education for each student is written in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The District shall maintain policies and procedures to meet Least Restrictive Environment requirements, as specified in federal and state rules. To the maximum extent appropriate, children and students with disabilities shall be educated with children who are nondisabled; and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children and students with disabilities from the general education environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes, with the use of supplementary aids and services, cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in Board policy or in their IEP’s for graduation. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the Area Education Agency Director of Special Education to provide or make provision for appropriate special education and related services.
Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district will work in conjunction with the Area Education Agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised: December 10, 2019
Legal Reference: Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982); Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982); Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979); 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.; Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8; 281 I.A.C. 41.109; 41.404.
Cross Reference: 503 Student Discipline; 505.5 Graduation Requirements; 506 Student Records; 507.2 Administration of Medication to Students; 507.8 Student Special Health Services; 601.1 School Calendar; 603 Instructional Curriculum