Children with Special Needs
There are many children in our schools who have special needs. They include children with disabilities; students who live in economically disadvantaged school districts; children from impoverished families; children whose primary language is not English; and children who are gifted and talented. In all cases, the needs of these students must be met by school districts through providing whatever support or accommodations are necessary to educate them. All of these areas require parent involvement and advocacy to assure that school districts adequately serve their children with special needs.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students with disabilities are protected under federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as state law. These laws require school districts to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students. This means that children with disabilities are entitled to special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. If parents believe that their child may need special education services, they may request that the district evaluate the child. Parents then become members of a team of persons who will make decisions about the student by creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The parents’ input and role in this process are important since they are involved in determining what action will be taken to address their child’s needs. The department has developed a booklet to assist parents in understanding their role and their rights under the law so that they may advocate for their child. The publication, Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE), is available through the local school district or this Web site in multiple languages.
The Department of Education does not have the authority to make individual determinations about a specific child’s evaluation, eligibility, individualized education program (IEP), or placement. That responsibility is a requirement of the local school district and the IEP team. Children with disabilities have protections in the law to safeguard their rights to a FAPE. The department provides mediation and due process hearings to resolve disputes. The process is outlined in PRISE. The department also provides complaint investigations and monitors districts in the state to assure that the requirements of law are met.
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/parents/special.htm
The Learning Team: A Handbook for Parents of Children with Special Needs, 2003
A print version of this resource is available for purchase from Learning Resources Centre or may be downloaded at no cost from this site. This handbook offers information and strategies for parents of children with special needs who want to be meaningfully involved in their children's education. This handbook emphasizes the diverse and changing learning needs of children with special needs. As well as offering support and encouragement to parents, the handbook describes services and activities for meeting children's diverse learning needs at school. It also provides suggestions for ways parents can support and enrich their children's learning. The handbook also includes information and strategies for helping children make successful transitions, for voicing parental concerns, and for staying informed.
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/spec-ed/partners/