The district recognizes that students whose disabilities adversely impact educational performance and who require specially designed instruction can improve their educational performance when they receive special education and related services tailored to fit their needs. The district adopts the state’s full educational opportunity goal to provide students in need of special education services with a free appropriate public education.
Special education programs for students eligible for special education shall be an integral part of the general educational programs of this district, and shall be operated in compliance with federal and state requirements governing special education. The district will provide a continuum of placement options which may include services within and outside the district depending on the student’s needs.
Not all students with disabilities are eligible for
special education services. The needs of those students will be addressed
individually and, if appropriate, the student will be provided accommodations
or modifications required under §
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, in
accordance with district policy and procedures.
Mediation or Resolution Agreements
The board authorizes the superintendent or a designee to bind the district to a mediation or resolution agreement.
Certificate of Attendance
In order to participate in commencement exercises, students must have met the minimum criteria for graduation prior to the date of the exercise and otherwise be in good standing with their school through commencement date. Minimum criteria for participation may be adjusted for students with an IEP whose disabilities have impacted their opportunity to accumulate credits. Each student’s IEP team will determine the student’s graduation plan, including graduation date. IEP students who have attended four years of high school and need additional time to complete IEP goals and/or credits may request participation in commencement exercises. IEP students will receive a certificate of attendance until they complete their credits for graduation.
The district superintendent shall develop and maintain special education procedures necessary to implement this policy. This policy and the procedures shall be available to the public.
Cross References: Board Policy 2162 Education of Students with Disabilities under Section 504
Board Policy 3300 Corrective Actions or
Punishment
Board Policy 3323 Long-term Suspensions
Board Policy 3600 Student Records
Legal References: RCW 28A.155 Special Education
RCW 49.60 Law against Discrimination
WAC 392-172A Rules for the Provision of
Special Education
20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement
Act of 2004
42 U.S.C. 12131-12133 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
28 CRF Part 35 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
34 CFR Part 99 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974,
Pub. L. 93-516, 29 U.S.C. 794
34 CFR Part 104 Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance
34 CFR Part 300 Assistance to State for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities
34 CFR Part 303 Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
Management Resources:
Policy News, December 1999 Rule Adoption Leads to Special Education Policy
Policy
News, June 2007 Graduation Ceremonies for Special Education Students
Policy News, December 2007 Updated Special Education Policy and Procedure
Adoption Date: May 2005
Revised: April
2008