SPED

Special Education is a tailored educational program designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities, providing them with the necessary support, accommodations, and services to facilitate their learning and development. 

Special education services are delivered in accordance with student IEPs. The Cottonwood School is authorized as a non-classroom-based charter school offering instruction primarily through virtual and independent study modalities. Special education services are likewise delivered virtually unless the IEP team determines that in-person services are necessary for student to receive a free appropriate public education. Service providers are appropriately credentialed and/or licensed and adept at addressing the unique needs of students in alignment with the individual goals set forth in each student’s IEP.

Individuals who qualify for special education services are students with disabilities who require additional support and accommodations to access and benefit from education. This includes students who have been formally evaluated and identified as having a disability under the criteria outlined in special education laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a personalized plan developed for students with disabilities to outline their educational goals, specific needs, accommodations, and services.

While both IEPs and 504 plans are designed to support students with disabilities, they serve different purposes. An IEP requires the student to have a disability that adversely affects their educational performance and requires specially designed instruction. A 504 plan requires the student to have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, reading, concentrating, or sleeping. It ensures the students receive equal access to educational opportunities and facilities but it does not provide specialized instruction.

Yes, students with disabilities have the right to participate in school extracurricular activities to the fullest extent possible, just like their peers without disabilities. Federal laws provide protections to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to extracurricular activities and other nonacademic programs offered by schools.

When a student is referred for special education, a comprehensive individual evaluation is completed to determine the presence of a disability and their educational needs. The evaluation covers all suspected areas of disability and serves as the basis for decisions regarding special education eligibility, placement, and services. Assessments are conducted by certified professionals with specialized training. Parents of enrolled students at The Cottonwood School who suspect their child may have a disability are encouraged to contact their child’s Homeschool Teacher for support and guidance on the next steps.