Special Education Services
Winfield District 34 provides a full continuum of special education programs and services in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate to meet each student’s individual educational needs. Each IEP (Individual Education Plan) is designed by the IEP team, which includes the parents/guardians and the school staff members who are the most familiar with the student’s educational needs. Special education programs and services are available for students who have been identified as having one of the 13 educational disability categories. Students are served in the least restrictive environment which meets their needs and may range from full inclusion to a cooperative or private school placement to lesser-needed support within one or more classroom settings.
All students receiving special education services are required to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specifically outlining the extent, duration, and intensity of services. The IEP is written and reviewed annually or more often. Special education programs and services are designed to prepare our students for a successful adult life, which includes further education and/or adult employment opportunities. Some students may also have opportunities for community-based instruction to support their learning and to generalize skills learned in the classroom.
Students entitled for Special Education Services are provided an array of supports through a continuum of services designed to increase the students' access to the District 34 curriculum. This access allows for rigorous instruction and specialized supports to meet the child's and family's desired outcomes.
A student who does not qualify for special education may be eligible for Section 504 supports if the child (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.
The SST is responsible for the collaboration and intervention for any student who exhibits significant learning, social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. The identification, evaluation, and reevaluation of students who qualify under one or more of 13 categories of disability is another role the department serves.
Special Education instructional services are provided within the least restrictive environment that is appropriate to address individual student needs. Services for eligible students are available beginning at age three. Related services may also be provided if necessary to support student progress in his/her individualized special education program. The IEP team emphasizes the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports for all students, as well as providing Functional Behavioral Assessment and the development of Behavior Intervention Plans for eligible students with significant behavioral issues. In addition to instructional planning, the IEP team conducts Transition Planning for students age 14½ and older to support attainment of postsecondary educational, vocational, and independent living goals.
A Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS) provides an array of services that may include collaboration with the classroom teacher, instructing individual students and groups of students in order to support instruction, and creating and modifying materials to support the needs of students with IEPs. As part of a team they also analyze assessment results to drive and inform instruction and IEP development. As case managers of students with IEPs they develop and monitor academic goals and see that all parts of the IEP are coordinated and carried out.
