Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of children that result from having a disability so they may learn the information and skills that other children are learning.
The California Education Code (Section 56031) describes Special Education as:
"Specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet unique needs of individuals with exceptional needs, whose educational needs cannot be met with modification of the regular instructional program, and related services at no cost to the parent, which may be needed to assist such individuals to benefit from specially designed instruction. Special education is an integral part of the total public education system and provides education in a manner that promotes maximum interaction between children or youth with disabilities and children, or youth who are not disabled, in a manner that is appropriate to the needs of both. "
Who is eligible for special education?
All Students who receive special education services must be assessed and found eligible for services by an Individual Education Program (IEP) team which includes the parents. An IEP is required for all students who receive special education and related services.
Certain children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related services. The federal law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the California Education Code, specify the different disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for special education and related services. According to IDEA, the disability muxt affect the child's educational performance. The categories are:
* Hearing Impaired (Deaf/Hard of Heraing)
* Hearing and Visual Impairment (Deaf/Blind)
* Language/Speech Disorder (VI)
* Servere Orthopedic Impairment
* Other Health Impairment
* Autistic Like Behaviors
* Significantly below average general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the devlopmental period
* Emotional Disturbance
* Special Learning Disabilities
* Traumatic Brain Injury
The PUSD Special Education Program serves students with disabilities from birth to 22 years. The full range of servcies are available in the geographical region for each school or within the East San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area provider program system.
For information regarding the special education program, contact the school principal or call the Special Education Department.
