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What is Special Education?
Special education is "specialized instruction" provided for
students who are determined to have a specific disability as
defined by Public Law 94-142 and amended by the 1997 Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act. It may be provided by one or
several special education teacher(s). Also, related specialists
will sometimes assist in the program planning or direct services
for a child. What is the cost for these services?
There is no cost to the parent.
How is a child referred to Special Education?
The referral process for preschool children begins with
notification to the RCS Special Education Director of a child
suspected of having a disability. This referral can be made by a
variety of sources, including family members, doctors, and
community agencies.
School-aged children are referred to the Student Support Team
(SST) at the local school by parents, teachers, or other persons
knowledgeable of the student's problems. The SST may be composed
of school personnel, the referring teacher, and the child's
parents. The SST refers to Special Education after other
alternatives have been attempted and proven unsuccessful in
helping the child in the regular classroom setting.
What are the different categories of Special Education?
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Autism.
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Deaf/Blind.
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Emotional and Behavioral Disorder.
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Hearing Impairment.
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Intellectually Disabled (mild, moderate,
severe, profound).
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Orthopedic Impairment.
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Other Health Impairment.
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Severe Emotional and Behavioral Disorder.
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Significant Developmental Delay (ages 3-5).
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Specific Learning Disability.
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Speech-Language Impairment.
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Traumatic Brain Injury.
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Visual Impairment.
Are other services available?
Yes! When appropriate, services are offered in the areas of:
psychological evaluation, physical therapy, occupational
therapy, related vocational instruction, specialized
transportation, assistive technology devices and services,
audiological services, nutrition services, social work services,
etc.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about Special
Education in the Rome City Schools?
Your child's principal or the system's Special Education
Director.
When is referral to Special Education appropriate?
A referral to Special Education is appropriate when:
- A child is experiencing a persistent problem of a physical,
mental or emotional nature which significantly interferes with
the success of the child in his/her educational program.
- All alternatives available to the child in the regular program
have been exhausted and/or are not applicable to the problem.
What steps occur following a referral to Special Education?
Parents are always contacted and informed of the reason for a
referral.
The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (June 1997) outlines specific steps and procedures
which must follow a referral to Special Education. The steps
include parents' involvement and are:
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written copy of Parents' Rights are given to
the parents;
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permission to evaluate is requested;
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assessment(s);
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development of a Special Education Plan for
each student, if applicable;
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permission to place in Special Education (if
appropriate);
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periodic review of the child's program; and
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periodic reassessment of the student's
strengths and weaknesses
Where are students in Special Education served?
The majority of Georgia's students are served within the schools
they would normally attend. Services are provided in the regular
classroom environment, special education resource and
self-contained classrooms.
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The Rome Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, or
disability in its education programs, activities or employment.
Persons seeking information regarding Section 504/ ADA, Title
IX, or related issues should contact: Superintendent, Rome City
Schools, 508 East Second Street, Rome, Georgia 30161.
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