Richland District 88a Special Education Department provides a continuum of services to eligible students in grades pre-K through eight, consistent with federal and state mandates.   Special education and related services are provided according to the student's individualized education program (IEP), is based on the student's unique needs, and addresses the adverse effects of their disability on their progress in the regular education curriculum. Specialized instruction within and/or outside the general education classroom are available based on the individual student's educational needs. Needs are determined by a building-based team responsible for the assessment, identification, and development of Individual Education Programs (IEP) for eligible students. The general education setting with appropriate supports and services (speech and language therapy, social work, occupational and physical therapy) is the first consideration of the team.

District residents who have concerns regarding a child’s school performance are encouraged to contact the student’s teacher to arrange a meeting to address specific concerns and explore interventions designed to assist the student.  For further information regarding Special Education eligibility or services please contact Veda Newman, Special Education/Bilingual Program Director.

Bilingual Education

Richland District 88a provides instructional programming for second language learners. Key components of the department include identification and assessment of bilingual students, staff development and family education.  The Bilingual Parent Advisory (BPAC) Committee meets four times per year to advise the Bilingual Department regarding the TBE/TPI/Title III grant.  Training is provided to BPAC members annually in the areas of instructional approaches and methods in bilingual education, State and federal laws in relation to students’ participation and parents’ rights, and accountability measures relevant to bilingual education.