Education
Introduction
We envision an education system where all students with disabilities are receiving appropriate services to enable the student to have access to a free appropriate public education in the student’s least restrictive environment.
What We Do
We work to reduce incidences of inappropriate discipline and illegal exclusions from public schools, obtain appropriate transition services, and expand educational access for students with disabilities across South Carolina through case management, legal representation and self-advocacy training. Staff also work to improve laws, regulations, policies and practices that affect students with disabilities through advocacy.
Know Your Rights
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) provides the legal grounds for children with disabilities to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). These services are administered by the school district where the child lives. Special education services are available for children over the age of three through age 21 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Words to Know
any device, software, or equipment that helps to increase or maintain the ability of persons with disabilities function in daily living
Special education term used to describe the written plan used to address problem behavior that includes positive behavioral interventions, strategies and support.
Term used to describe services that place students with disabilities in general education classrooms with appropriate support services. Student may receive instruction from both a general education teacher and a special education teacher.
Legislation guaranteeing students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education and the right to be educated with their non-disabled peers.
the term outlined by IDEA to define the written document that states the disabled child’s goals, objectives and services for students receiving special education.
An extended school year is a component of special education services for students with needs who require services in excess of the regular academic year. Extended year often refers to summer school
the guaranteed right of children with disabilities to receive an education that meets their unique needs at no cost to parents.
the procedure conducted to find the reasons for students’ behaviors interfering in their learning.
The placement of a special needs student in a manner promoting the most possible interaction with the general school population.
Term used to describe the integration of children with special needs into regular classrooms for part of the school day. The remainder of the day is in a special education classroom.
required written notice to parents when the school proposes to initiate or change, or refuses to initiate or change, the identifications, evaluation, or educational placement of the child.
supports that are provided in school settings to allow a student with a disability to be educated with his non disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
a set of activities as listed in the IEP that facilitate the student’s move to postsecondary options; may include vocational assessment, career exploration, and vocational education.
DRSC Resources
- Adult Students with Disabilities Educational Rights Consent Act
- Advocacy Tips for IEP Meetings
- Assistive Technology and Special Education
- Bullying and Students with Disabilities
- College Students with Disabilities, Reasonable Accommodations and COVID-19 Q&A
- Discipline of Students with Disabilities
- Education for Children with Disabilities
- Expulsion and Manifestation Meeting
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FEPRA)
- Filing a Complaint with the South Carolina Department of Education
- Filing a Section 504 Complaint
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Health Care Needs of Students Attending Public Schools
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Mediation: An Alternative to Due Process
- Prior Written Notice
- Protections For Students Not Yet Identified As Eligible for IDEA
- Related Services in Schools
- Remote Meetings: Tips for Parents
- The Rights of College Students with Disabilities
- School Transition Services
- Testing Students Who Have Disabilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services for High School Students
- When a Child Grows Up The Legal Effects of Becoming an Adult
- Special Education Evaluations
Prior Written Notice
This video explains Prior Written Notices (PWN).