Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is Special Education?
2. What should you do if you feel your child needs special education?
3. How is an IEP developed?
4. How can we be sure my child's program is meeting his or her needs?

What is Special Education?

Special education means specially designed individualized or group 
instruction or special services or programs to meet the unique needs of 
students with disabilities.

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What should you do if you feel your child needs special education?

If your school-aged child is having difficulties in school, first talk to his 
or her teacher.  If you, the teacher and principal have not been able to help 
your child, your child may have a disability which affects his or her 
learning.  To find out, you can contact your school's Assistant Coordinator 
of Special education and make a referral to the Committee on Special 
Education.

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How is an IEP developed?

The IEP development process must consider:
* your child's strengths
* your concerns for your child's education
* the results of your child's individual evaluation
* the results of any State or districtwide tests or assessments
* any unique needs related to your child's disability (such as communciation 
needs, behavior, etc.)

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How can we be sure my child's program is meeting his or her needs?

At least once a year, you and other members of the Committee on Special 
Education will review your child's IEP.  You may request a meeting sooner 
than that.  Together, you will make decisions about any necessary changes to 
your child's program.  This is called an Annual Review.  At least once every 
three years,  your school district will reevaluate your child.  This is 
called a reeevaluation.

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