What is Special Education?

South Washington County Schools is implementing a District-wide continuous improvement program for all schools and all programs. Special education program evaluation and monitoring efforts have synchronized with District goals and initiatives that include improving student achievement and recruitment and retention of staff. Both District goals and special education priorities have given us momentum and resources to "continually improve."
Examples:

• Obtain/retain the highest quality employees, thus improving the attainment system
• Establishing test score improvement goals, thus improving student achievement

The Department of Special Services encompasses Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Health Services, Psychological Services, Homebound, and other miscellaneous programs and projects. Special education services are provided to approximately 2300 students with disabilities (served in our District and others), supported by 200 staff members licensed in special education and/or related services.

The philosophy of South Washington County Schools is to provide a continuum of services and to support students in their neighborhood schools to the greatest extent possible. We are proud of our continuous improvement and progressive program development to meet the changing needs of students.

Beliefs

• All human beings deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
• General education students benefit from interacting with students with disabilities.
• All students can learn and experience success through a quality educational program.
• A safe, authentic and nurturing learning environment is critical to student success.
• Adequate funding provides equal opportunity and access.
• Teamwork and Sharing resources among special education teams and outside agencies is critical for students with disabilities.
• Adequate funding provides equal opportunity and access.
• Teamwork and Sharing resources among special education teams and outside agencies is critical for students with disabilities.
• Students benefit from consistent parent/caregiver involvement and supportive relationships between parents/caregivers and school personnel.
• Students need comprehensive, research-based curriculum and consistent programming to enhance student progress.
• Social skill programming and opportunities for natural interactions with peers is an integral component of quality education.
• All students are entitled to knowledgeable, skilled, trained, and caring educators.