BOARD POLICY 342.1

342.1      -     Responsibility to Serve Students With Special Education Needs

Whenever possible, students with special education needs will be served within the District; be offered the same basic opportunities to access the general education curriculum as their non-disabled peers, be treated with the same degree of dignity and respect as other students of the District, and their differentiated instruction be delivered as prescribed in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans. The District will adhere to procedures contained within the state guide “Model Local Educational Agency Special Education Policies and Procedures.”

Licensed district staff who reasonably believes a child is a child with a disability has a duty to refer the child to the School District for an IEP team evaluation. Special education referrals are available in all school buildings. Physicians, parents, or other individuals within the community may refer a child for an IEP team evaluation if they reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability.  Special education referrals may be obtained by contacting the building principal, school psychologist, or the director of special education and pupil services. All building principals will be notified of referrals initiated at their building.

The School District utilizes student review teams in each of its elementary buildings. These teams examine interventions in addition to the special education referral process. Such pre-referral interventions may not delay or defer any individual’s attempt to complete and process a special education referral on behalf of a child.

Legal Ref.:     Chapter 115, Subchapter V, Wisconsin Statutes                  

Cross Ref.:    Administrative Rule 342.1 – Model Local Educational Agency

                   Special Education Policies and Procedures

Approved:      January 17, 2002