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| Special Education in Wilkinsburg |
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| The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate, public education. The Wilkinsburg School District's Special Education Department is here to assist students and families in determining eligibility for special education and to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for every child who is eligible. If you think that your child has a disability, please contact us at 412-871-2114 to discuss the referral and evaluation process. More information is briefly summarized below. You can also get detailed information from the U.S. Department of Education. |
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Individualized Education Programs for Each Special Education Student |
| Children who have a disability and who need specially designed instruction are eligible for special education. An Individualized Education Program (called an "IEP") must be designed for each student, to outline the kinds of supports and adaptations that the student will need. The IEP development creates an opportunity for a team of teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities.
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What's in an IEP |
| Each IEP includes a description of how the child is currently doing in school, based on the Evaluation Report (which summarizes testing results and observations made by parents, teachers, the school psychologist, and other school staff). The IEP also puts forth annual goals broken down into short-term objectives or benchmarks, and must state how progress is to be measured. The IEP includes modifications, aids and services the child needs in order to attain these objectives. The IEP must also explain the extent to which the child will not participate with non-disabled children in the regular class and other school activities.
In addition, the IEP states what modifications students will receive with regard to standardized tests. Finally, the IEP details when special education services will begin and end, and what transitions will be provided as the child approaches graduation.
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Getting Started |
| To create an effective IEP, parents, teachers, other school staff--and often the student-- come together to look closely at the student's unique needs, as identified in the student's Evaluation Report. These individuals pool knowledge, experience and commitment to design an educational program that will help the student be involved in, and progress in, the general curriculum. The IEP guides the delivery of special education supports and services for the student with a disability. Without a doubt, writing--and implementing--an effective IEP requires teamwork.
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PA Parent's Guide to Special Education
This informative brochure provides clear information to parents of children with special needs.
PA Parent's Guide to Special Education
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Resources for special needs students
The U.S. Department of Education offers numerous online resources to parents of children with special needs. This link takes you to the Department of Education's "Editors Picks" list of helpful publications.
My Child's Special Needs- Disabilities
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Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21
OSEP: Home Page
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More information on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
IEPs are the cornerstone of all special education programs. Click here for more details from the Department of Education on how IEPs work and what they must include.
A Guide to the Individualized Education Program
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