The special education department provides support in many areas to enable the provision of specialized services to students as well as direct support to school site programs as needs arise. If a student’s needs cannot be met within the regular education program with modifications, a referral to the special education department is made through the Student Success Team (SST). Once a referral is made, all areas of suspected disability will be assessed.

A student qualifies for special education services when the criteria set by state and federal laws are met. An Individual Educational Program (IEP) is developed for each individual student based on their individual needs. Parents, regular and special education teachers, school psychologist, administrator and often the student are involved in the development of this IEP plan.

Special education is founded on two very important principals, that of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The concept of FAPE refers to appropriate service that is required to assist a disabled student to realize reasonable benefit from his/her education. LRE refers to the provision of services to students in the least restrictive environment.

A full continuum of services exists and is based on student need. This continuum refers not only to the type of services but the manner in which services are provided. To inquire about programs and services available, obtain information on special education assessment procedures, or to get information concerning Parent/Student Rights and laws relating to special education please contact Mrs. Riddle at lriddle@menifeeusd.org or 951.244.1937 extension 1117.