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Special Education - About

Hope Elementary School District Special Education

Committed to ensuring that every student is valued, included, and supported to reach their potential. Through collaborative partnerships, inclusive practices and evidence-based strategies, students are provided opportunites for growth, belonging and independence.

What Is Special Education?

Special education is specially designed instruction and related services provided to students with disabilities whose unique learning needs cannot be met through general education supports alone. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students receive individualized services and supports that help them access, participate in and make progress in their educational program.

Eligibility for Special Education

A student may be eligible for special education when a disability adversely affects their educational performance and they require specialized instruction to access and benefit from their education. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation and consideration of federal and state criteria under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Students may qualify under one or more of the following 13 disability categories: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment (including blindness). Eligibility decisions are made by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team based on assessment results, educational impact, and the student's need for specialized instruction and related services.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines a student's unique educational needs, goals, services, and supports. The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that includes parents/guardians, educators, administrators, and related service providers. It is designed to ensure that each eligible student receives the specialized instruction, accommodations, and services needed to access and benefit from their education.

  • Special Education Parent and Guardian Rights

    Parents and Guardians of students with disabilities are afforded rights in the special education process. These rights are called Procedural Safeguards.

  • Santa Barbara County SELPA

    SELPA stands for Special Education Local Plan Area. In California, every school district, county office of education, and charter school is a member of a SELPA. SELPA provides oversight, guidance, training and support to local education agencies (LEAs) and parents/guardians.