603.3 - Special Education

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students.  The board will provide a free appropriate 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 a general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student.  The appropriate education for each student is written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in board policy or in their IEPs for graduation.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for free 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 shall 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.

 

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects state and federal law.

 

 

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. (1988).
                                       34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1993).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 41.

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

Approved 7/10/89        
Reviewed 11/15/21       
Revised 04/27/06