| The
cornerstone Federal legislation for the education of
students with disabilities is the Individuals with Disabilities
Act (IDEA). IDEA explains how students with disabilities
will access a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
At
the State level, Chapter 392-172 of the Washington Administrative
Code (WAC) requires that special education students
have access to the general education curriculum
in order to meet the educational standards
of the school district.
The
State's educational standards are called the Essential
Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). The EALRs embody
strong academic standards and improved educational results
for all students. The Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) define the EALRs at each grade level.
The
Bellingham School District recognizes that students
whose disabilities adversely impact educational performance
and who require specially designed instruction have
potential for improving educational performance when
they receive special education and related services
tailored to fit their needs.
The
District runs a full continuum of special education services/programs for students ages three to twenty-one
who meet the requirements for eligibility.
The
District participates in "childfind" - awareness
and screening activities for the purpose of locating,
identifying, and evaluating resident students
who are suspected of having disabilities and
are in need of specially designed instruction
and related services. Parents/guardians who have
concerns about their child's development, or
about the childfind process, are encouraged to
call the Special Education Office at 360-676-6514.
A student may be referred for a special education
evaluation by any source. The referral is to
be made in writing and submitted to the building
Principal or designee.
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