The Board recognizes that students whose disabilities adversely impact educational performance and who require specially designed instruction can improve their educational performance when they receive special education and related services tailored to fit their needs. The District adopts the State's full educational opportunity goal to provide students in need of special education services with a free appropriate public education.
Special education programs for eligible students will be operated in compliance with federal and state requirements governing special education. The District will provide a continuum of placement options, which may include services within and outside the District depending on the student's needs. The District is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities experience meaningful participation in general education settings both academically and socially.
Not all students with disabilities are eligible for special education services. The needs of students with disabilities will be addressed individually and, if appropriate, students will be provided accommodations, modifications, and/or related aids and services as required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in accordance with Board Policy and Procedures.
Mediation or Resolution Agreements
The Board authorizes the District Superintendent or a designee to bind the District to a mediation or resolution agreement.
Commencement Exercises/Certificate of Attendance
In order to participate in commencement exercises, students must have met the minimum criteria for graduation prior to the date of the exercise and otherwise be in good standing with their school through the commencement date. Minimum criteria for participation may be adjusted for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) whose disabilities have impacted their opportunity to accumulate credits. Each student's IEP team will determine the student's graduation plan, including graduation date. Students with an IEP who have attended four years of high school and need additional time to complete IEP goals and/or credits may request participation in commencement exercises. Students with an IEP will receive a certificate of attendance until they complete their credits for graduation.
The District Superintendent will develop and maintain special education procedures necessary to implement this policy. This policy and the procedures will be available to the public.
The District recognizes the eligibility category "developmentally delayed" for eligible students ages three to ten. The District Superintendent shall develop procedures to implement this category.
Cross References:
Board Policy 2410 High School Graduation Requirements
Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action
Board Policy 3246 Use of Isolation, Restraint and Reasonable Force
Board Policy 4317 Effective Communication
Legal References:
WAC 392-172A Provision of Special Education Services
RCW 28A.600.485 Restraint of students—Use of restraint or isolation specified in individualized education programs or plans developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973—Procedures—Summary of incidents of isolation or restraint—Publishing to website.
RCW 28A.600.486 District policy on the use of isolation and restraint—Notice to parents and guardians of children who have individualized education programs or plans developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973.
RCW 28A.605.020 Parents' access to classroom or school sponsored activities—Limitation.
29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, Pub. L. 93-516, 29 U.S.C. 794
20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
42 USC 12131 – 12133 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
28 CFR Park 35 Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance
34 CFR Part 99 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
34 CFR Part 104 Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance
34 CFR Part 300 Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities
RCW 49.60 Discrimination — Human Rights Commission
Adoption Date: April 21, 1998
Revised: November 9, 1998
Revised: August 28, 2000
Revised: August 22, 2022
