P5401 Special Education Program Standards
- 5400 Special Education
P5401 Special Education Program Standards
Programs in special education are operated in accordance with standards, guidelines, and regulations established by the Kansas State Board of Education. Certain deviations from such guidelines may be necessary to implement the specific programs within the constraints of USD 259.
Administrative Implemental Procedures:
- The Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services shall annually publish and distribute the standards, guidelines, and regulations as promulgated by the Kansas State Board of Education via the Special Education Administrative Handbook at the building level.
- Responsibilities for programming are assigned to special education program coordinators who will work cooperatively with building administrators, other USD 259 divisions, and the Kansas State Department of Education.
- Specialized programs as defined by "Special Schools" shall be organized consistent with this policy. Certification standards shall be maintained consistent with the needs of the program and the involved students. Components of specialized programs are included in the Kansas State Plan, and the district will comply with these rules and regulations.
- Staff
- Teachers meeting special education certification standards of the Kansas State Board of Education, except when impossible because of the unavailability of state approved teachers, shall staff classes and programs in special education.
- The staffing patterns established by the State of Kansas will be implemented to ensure compliance with federal and state rules and regulations.
- Instructional models shall include options designed to provide educational experiences, including reasonable accommodation, which enable the exceptional student to remain in a regular class placement(s) to the maximum extent appropriate for each student. Service patterns may include:
- Provision of assistance to general education teachers to facilitate maintenance of exceptional students in regular education when appropriate.
- Provision of individual and/or small group instruction to identified exceptional children in regular or special education settings.
- Provision of curriculum services to students in special education classrooms.
- Self-contained - Provision of services to students who spend 60%, or more, time in special education classrooms.
- Special Day School - Provision of services for students who receive an educational program by attending a special purpose school. 100% of the student’s time is spent in a segregated program.
- Alternative School – Provision of services for students who receive an educational program by attending a special purpose school that allows for interaction with nondisabled peers.
- Circumstances which may dictate deviation from the maximum/minimum enrollment guidelines in most instances require approval from the Kansas State Board of Education.
Administrative Responsibility: Student Support Services
Latest Revision Date: June 2011
Previous Revision Date: March 1999 P5401
Updated administratively for alignment purposes: January 2021