Special Education

The Special Education Department of the Richmond Community Schools is committed to providing support services to all students and teachers and to providing each student with disabilities a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

It is believed that these services can most effectively be provided through a school-based model which focuses on the use of building level resources. Such an approach places as much responsibility and accountability with school personnel as possible.

It is expected that this model will provide the following advantages:

• foster feelings of responsibility for meeting the needs of each student among school personnel;
• encourage principals, teachers and ancillary personnel not only to identify children who may have physical, intellectual or behavioral problems but to seek alternative strategies for meeting the educational needs of such students;
• encourage the trial of general education alternatives within the school before an evaluation is requested;
• develop a collaborative spirit among school personnel in seeking solutions for students who are encountering difficulties;
• ensure that school personnel will receive information needed to be well informed about students with disabilities, special education programs, related services, district policies and procedures and other educational alternatives; and
• foster parent participation in planning the student's program.

The role of the Special Education Office staff, in the school-based model, shall be to:

• monitor to ensure that the policies and procedures established by the Special Education Department, in accordance with all federal, state and local mandates, are implemented;
• design, implement and evaluate appropriate programs for students with disability; and
• provide technical assistance and staff development opportunities.

The role of the school staff shall be to:

• deliver instruction and support services consistent with the policies and procedures established by the Special Education Department;
• monitor the quality of on-going programs within the school;
• seek technical assistance for program improvement; and
• provide input to program design and policy development.

School and Special Education Office staff should work collaboratively and be concerned with the consistency and quality of special education programs and related services within the school and across the district.

This program is directed by Barb Bergdoll, Director of Exceptional Education.