As part of our continued commitment to Special Education, we are celebrating National Special Education Day! This day, December 2, marks the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), first passed in 1975. IDEA ensures that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education, and its anniversary highlights the enduring effort to create inclusive, supportive and equitable learning environments for all students.
We are proud to recognize the collaborative efforts of teachers, students, families and administrators in supporting Special Education and advancing inclusive practices across our campuses to ensure that all students have a rightful presence and sense of belonging on our campuses.
Expanding Inclusive Education
One way IUSD is further strengthening its commitment to inclusive education is by expanding co-teaching across secondary campuses. Co-teaching is an instructional model in which a general education teacher and a special education teacher partner equally to plan, instruct and assess students in the same classroom. This approach allows for more individualized support, increased access to the general education curriculum and real-time collaboration that benefits all learners.
To learn more about co-teaching, please take a moment to watch this video:
IUSD Special Education
The IUSD Special Education Department continues to play a pivotal role in implementing programs, partnerships and initiatives that meet the diverse needs of students who may require specialized academic instruction and intervention. Key partnerships and focus areas include:
- Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC): The CAC, a collaborative partnership of parents of children with special needs, parents of general education students, educators, and community agencies, works collectively to support activities on behalf of students with special needs.
- Department Goal: Through an explicit focus on inclusive school communities, our Special Education Department will continue to work in partnership with our IUSD colleagues and families to ensure high-quality and rigorous instruction as well as individualized support for each student to meet their personal best in their least restrictive environment.
These programs, initiatives and the expansion of co-teaching exemplify IUSD’s ongoing commitment to provide inclusive environments that empower students and ensure a sense of belonging for all students.
Learn more about the IUSD Special Education Department and its programs and initiatives.