Special Education Services at Athenian Schools
What Is Special Education?
Special Education services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students who need individualized instruction and support in order to access and make progress in their education.
These services are designed to meet a student’s unique learning needs through specially designed instruction, supports, and related services when appropriate.
Eligibility for Special Education
To qualify for Special Education services, a student must meet all three of the following criteria:
- The student has a disability
- The disability falls within one of the eligibility categories defined by IDEA.
- The disability adversely affects the student’s educational performance
- The student’s disability impacts their ability to access or make meaningful progress in the general education curriculum.
- The student requires specially designed instruction (SDI)
- The student needs individualized instruction or teaching strategies that go beyond typical classroom accommodations, and their needs are not met through Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) interventions.
What Special Education Services May Include
- Specialized instruction tailored to the student’s needs
- Individualized goals and progress monitoring
- Related services such as speech, occupational therapy, or behavior services
- Classroom accommodations and instructional modifications
All services are outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and reviewed regularly to ensure continued progress.
How to See if My Child Qualifies for Special Education
At Athenian Schools, we are committed to making the special education process clear, supportive, and collaborative. If you believe your child may have a disability that impacts their learning and may require specialized instruction, the first step is to contact our Student Services Director, Zac Hancock, at zachancock@aea.rocks