WORTHINGTON -- The 2010-2011 school year is off to a fast and exciting start. I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians to join the Worthington ISD 518 Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) for students with special needs ages 0-21.
SEAC is a group of stakeholders that meets to provide input on special education issues at the local school district level. The purpose of this group is to advise and advocate for students with special needs by sharing unique experiences and perspectives. The goal is to continually improve services for students with special needs by having regular meetings throughout each school year. You will receive a letter with the dates and times for the meetings that will be held during the school year.
The Worthington ISD 518 has received training and will implement the new Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment -- Modified for students with special needs. Students must qualify for this assessment, and it will be discussed at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. In order for students to be able to participate in this assessment, a standards based IEP must be written. This IEP will focus on the Minnesota standards in the areas of reading and math.
In response to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004), Minnesota School Districts must demonstrate that "all children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated." This responsibility extends to children with disabilities who are educated at home or in non-public schools.
Upon request, your local public school will provide information to concerned parents on specific disabilities including information about the educational or behavioral characteristics of each disability. Parents who believe their child may indeed have a disability may request information on how to arrange for an evaluation through the district's special education staff.
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Parents of students who are evaluated and are found to be eligible for special education services will become part of a team which will develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of a Service Plan to meet the identified needs of their children.
If you need additional information on any of the initiatives in the special programs department please call anytime. The special programs phone number is 372-2983.
I hope this school year is going well for everyone and please contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or comments. Have a great year!
Tricia Denzer is District 518's director of special programs.
