Special Education

Federal law requires that schools provide special education services for all children in the United States who need them from birth to age twenty-one. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that children be fairly assessed in their native language (if appropriate), classified according to type of disability and provided with appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment through an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.). Parent involvement is required during all phases of the screening and placement process. Additionally, school districts must provide parents with information regarding their right to appeal decisions pertaining to their child.

ELL students are often over-represented in special education programs for a number of reasons related to their limited English proficiency. Eastern Stream staff have expertise and resources that can provide targeted technical assistance in how to appropriately identify ELLs for special education services.

For example, Eastern Stream staff are very knowledgeable in the challenging and complex area of distinguishing a language difference from a disorder. They have worked closely with ESL and special education personnel, and are able to draw on a great deal of first-hand experience and knowledge.

They can provide workshops for special educators, administrators, and teachers who are in need of guidance on programs and practices that help them to understand if they are observing something other than normal second language acquisition in their students’ behaviors. It is particularly important to focus on the pre-referral process that will ensure that appropriate instructional and assessment modifications are in place.