Special Education Services

Special education is the specially designed instruction and supports/services designed to meet the unique needs of students who have disabilities. The definition of special education comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law provides eligible students with disabilities the right to receive special instruction and services that are designed to meet their unique needs resulting from having a disability as well as gain access to the information and skills that other students are learning in the general education curriculum.

“SASD is a place where all students, staff, and families feel a deep sense of belonging and are engaged in their work and classrooms. It's where our school communities connect with one another in ways that honor differences (racial, linguistic, ability, gender, etc.) and allow students to be their whole selves just as they are. Every student is valued because of their strengths, gifts, and challenges. Students feel
connected to their classmates and have what they need to access a rigorous education, thrive, and feel supported.”

SASD Vision of Inclusion
Everyone has a shared understanding of inclusion and it is demonstrated through their actions. An inclusive school is synonymous with a welcoming school. It's a place where all students, staff, and families feel a deep sense of belonging and are engaged in their work and classrooms. It's where our school communities connect with one another in ways that honor differences (racial, linguistic, ability, gender, etc.) and allow students to be
their whole selves just as they are. Every student is valued because of their strengths, gifts, and challenges. Disability is simply diversity. Students feel connected to their classmates and have what they need to access a rigorous education, thrive, and feel supported. Students individually may vary, and our school systems flex with the needs of our students.

Inclusion looks like…

• A mindset shift of yours vs. our students.
• all students are general education students first
• there is a collective responsibility for making students feel welcome and engaged in class and with their peers.
• valuing students input
  • Students advocate for themselves and feel a sense of belonging from both their peers and teachers;
  • It feels like belonging and relationships are strong.
• all stakeholders believe that everyone can succeed by working together to support each individual, regardless of differences or challenges.
  • there are no silos, and collaboration is a priority.
  • staff have dedicated time to plan and to co-serve students.
• Students are engaged in the learning and able to express their learning in a variety of different ways.
  • Neurodiversity is accepted where classrooms fit students not students fit classrooms.
• Educational plans are written as strength-based fully involving students in the process of gathering information on what they feel their strengths are and areas of growth.

Students are found eligible when they meet the IDEA definition of a “child with a disability” in combination with state law and regulations.

For more information go to WI DPI: Eligibility Determination

Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate and evaluate individuals (birth through 21 years of age) with disabilities who may need special education services. Anyone with concerns including a physician (see Special Education and the Physician below), nurse, psychologist, or social worker is encouraged to call to obtain information regarding the referral process, possible screening
opportunities, services offered through the school, and questions regarding special education eligibility. Points of contact should be Keli Melcher, Director of Student Services or the building Principal, Psychologist, or Special Education Coordinator.

CHILD FIND SCREENING For Preschool Children within the Stoughton Area School District.

                   Child Find Request for Assistance

Screening can be requested from September 1st-April 1st each school year.

The first step in this process is gathering information about the child by filling out the form above. This information is important for us to have whether you would like a Child Find screening or are making a referral for Special Education evaluation. It is essential that you make every effort to provide detailed information in the request form.  (* items must be completed).   

If you suspect that your child has a DISABILITY and you feel an IMMEDIATE NEED for a Special Education evaluation complete the Early Childhood Assistance Request above and call the Child Find line at (608) 877-5404.  

For more information go to WI DPI: Child Find

Early identification can prevent failure and frustration. Special attention to teaching and learning strategies may help individuals overcome barriers to learning. If a disability is not found, other resources may be available to help.

SASD Special Education Procedures Manual

This Guide from the Department of Public Instruction provides an excellent introduction to Special Education. 

Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. Personally identifiable information should also be supplied including date of birth, guardian names, address, phone number, and email. If someone other than a parent is making a referral a parent needs to be contacted prior to making the referral letting them know a referral is being made for their child.

The parent(s) or legal guardian will be contacted by Stoughton Area School District staff. Appropriate personnel will gather together based on the type and characteristics of the disability which is suspected. This school district group with the help of parents will decide if an evaluation (testing) is needed to determine if there is a disability. If an evaluation is needed, the parent along with this group of knowledgeable staff will meet to discuss the outcome of the evaluation, special education eligibility, and whether the student is in need of a variety of service options.

• Annual Notice of Special Education Referral
• Parents Rights Brochure
• Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP)
   

In a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, important guidance was recently shared with the Wisconsin Medical Society on the federal and state laws governing pediatric patient referrals for special education services. The guidance, entitled Special Education and the Physician outlines legal requirements and clarifies that special education cannot be prescribed, but must be determined through an IEP process.

Letter to Physicians IDEA vs. 504