...They are looking for the following criteria:
Are young children with disabilities entering kindergarten ready to learn?
Are children with disabilities achieving at high levels?
Are youth with disabilities prepared for life, work, and post-secondary education?
Does the district implement IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to improve services and results for children with disabilities?
Are children receiving equitable services and support?
Overall, what this tells us is that "the district ensures a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for all of our students," said Kathy Gilbert, FCSD Director of Special Services. "We value the input from all parents in our programming options."
Gilbert said the district's special services department isn't resting on its laurels just yet.
"We are happy with this outcome, but there is always more we can do," she said. "We will continue to work to close the achievement gap(s) of all of our children with disabilities."