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The Scottsbluff Public Schools, through the Student Services Department,
offers a full continuum of educational programs and services to eligible
students. Eligibility is based upon meeting specific criteria,
following the guidelines set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) and Nebraska Rule 51, for one or more disabilities
and a determination of whether or not special education is necessary for
the child to benefit from the educational program. Although the law
requires a student to have a disability label, the label does not
determine the educational programming, services, or placement for the
student.
The Scottsbluff Public Schools believe in providing
services in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate for each
student. The LRE policy calls for students to be educated with their
non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible. This means that
whenever possible the initial reference point for identifying, planning,
and delivering services for students with disabilities will be their
general education classroom in their neighborhood school. Special
education services are then provided in instructional areas directly
impacted by the student’s disability based upon the student’s specific
needs. Only when the student’s unique educational needs and goals
require more intensive interventions will consideration be given to
providing services in other locations. A small number of our students
need more intensive, specially designed instructional programs
throughout much or all of the school day. These programs are available
at designated schools within our district and our local area.
Following a comprehensive evaluation, a student’s
individual education planning team will recommend how and where to best
meet the student’s special needs if the team decides services are
necessary for educational benefit. |
