Special Education
Special education services include individualized specially designed instruction in academic, self-help, communication, motor, vocational and social skill areas. Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are developed at least annually. Goals and objectives are written for each student based on the results of formal and informal testing and observations. Carefully sequenced instruction is provided and data measuring student progress is maintained. Students are served in a variety of ways The Issaquah School District uses a wide variety of service delivery methods to meet the needs of students as identified in their IEPs. The following descriptions are examples of program designs used at Apollo to provide the continuum of service options needed by special education students. Unless specifically noted, these services exist at all grade levels. Program designs vary to some extent from building to building, and from year to year, as administration and special education staff make adjustments to meet the needs of their current student populations. It is also important to note that, at times, aspects of the different program designs may be blended in a unique way. The District encourages building staff to be creative in program design to meet the needs of their students and to best utilize the strengths of staff members. Resource Classroom Services Special education students with mild disabilities are sometimes assigned to general education classrooms and spend some or most of their day in that setting. They receive specially designed instruction, directed by a special education teacher, in areas identified on their IEPs. The instruction may be provided by the special education teacher, the general education teacher, or an educational assistant, and it may occur in the general education classroom or in a small group/resource room. Related services such as occupational therapy and speech/language therapy are provided if the need is identified on the IEP. Center-Based Services Special education center-based classroom programs are provided. Classrooms for three to five year old students with significant disabilities are located at Apollo. Students receiving these services have disabilities and/or behaviors which make it difficult for them to succeed in a typical preschool program. Extensive support services are provided in the areas of speech/language, motor skills, and behavior management and there are many opportunities to participate in activities with non-disabled peers. Classroom-Based Services Some students who were traditionally served in center-based classes, but who can function with some independence, may be placed in general education classrooms with appropriate aids and services provided by the special education staff. The special education teacher, speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist and educational assistants may work with the student in the classroom or in a pull-out setting. The special education teacher is responsible for developing and managing the IEP and consults with the staff and the family to ensure that the inclusion program is effective for the child. Behavior Support Services Apollo Elementary provides additional services to special education students who are not experiencing school success because of behavioral problems. Services are provided by Behavioral Specialists and Behavioral Intervention Trainers and community mental health agency staff. The services are specific to current needs and include some or all of the following:
Assistance to special education and general education staff in
writing and monitoring behavior intervention plans
Family contact Liaison with outside agencies as appropriate Classroom observations and consultation with teachers Consultation on Guidance and Placement meetings Involvement in school committees to develop policies and programs for discipline/high risk students Other interventions as appropriate. Related Services "Related services" means transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a special education student to benefit from special education. Related services are provided to special education students in the District as identified on IEPs. Services may be delivered in a regular classroom setting or in a separate setting as determined by the IEP team. |
The Special Education program at Apollo Elementary serves
approximately 100 students in preschool through fifth grade.. Instructional and support services are delivered by special
education teachers, school psychologists, speech language
pathologists, behavior specialists, mental health consultants,
occupational therapists and educational assistants. As is specified in
federal and state law, students with disabilities are served in the
least restrictive environment to the maximum extent possible. Thus,
there are special needs students participating as appropriate in
general education classrooms and general education curriculum.