Special Education
Special education is defined as specially designed instruction in academic, physical, emotional education and/or vocational studies. Federal and State Law mandates these service to qualifying children with disabilities through the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Legislature finds and declares that all individuals with exceptional needs have a right to participate in free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that special educational instruction and services for these persons are needed in order to ensure them the right to an appropriate educational opportunity to meet their unique needs. Special education is an integral part of the total public education system. Special education provides education in a manner that promotes maximum interaction between students with disabilities and students who are not disabled, in a manner that is appropriate to the needs of both populations. Special education provides a full continuum of service options to meet the educational needs of individuals with exceptional needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Here is the STATE LINK to Programs and services available to students with disabilities, publications, training and technical assistance opportunities, and recruitment resources and materials.
