Special Education

Code No.: 603.1
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Board of Education recognizes some students have different educational needs than other
students. The Board will provide a free appropriate public education program and related
services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will
be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to
maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. The Board expects these services to be
provided in the appropriate and least restrictive environment to meet the student’s needs.
Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in
nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a general
education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student.
The appropriate education for each student is written in the student’s Individualized Education
Program (IEP).
Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in board policy or in their
IEPs for graduation. It is the responsibility of the superintendent or designee and the area
education director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special
education and related services.
Children from birth through age two and children age three through age five are provided
comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school
district will work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the
earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age two. This is done to
ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects state and federal law.
Legal Ref: Board of Education vs. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982)
Springdale School District #50 vs. Grace, 693 F.2d 41
Southeast Warren Comm. School District vs. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285
N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979)
20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (1994)
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1996)
Iowa Code 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (2001)
281 I.A.C. 41
Approved 12/19/88
Reviewed 11/15/99
Revised 6/3/02
Reviewed 2/16/04
Revised 1/5/09
Revised 3/11/16