General Info/ FAQs

A full continuum of special education programs is available to students three to 21 years of age who have been evaluated by the child study team and found eligible for special education and related services. When a student is determined eligible, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed. The IEP describes, in detail, the student’s special education program and is implemented after parents have given written consent.

The goal of special education is to provide students who have been evaluated by the Child Study Team and found eligible for special education and related services with the opportunity for academic as well as personal growth and development. Each student is encouraged to seek the highest level of excellence in the least restrictive environment.

When a student is determined eligible for special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by the IEP team. The IEP team, including the teachers, parents, case manager, and the student, when appropriate, determines the program that meets the student’s learning needs.

The IEP describes, in detail, the student’s special education program and is implemented after the parents have given written consent.

To the extent possible, classified students are scheduled in general education classes in all areas of the curriculum. Some students may be scheduled part of the day in classes taught or supported by special education teachers, while others receive all instruction in the general education setting with the appropriate supplementary aids and services.

Resource center instruction offers individual or small group instruction that replaces or supplements instruction in the regular class. This program can be provided in the student’s regular education class or in a designated resource center. Some students receive their special education programs through resource center intervention. However, other placement options, including self-contained classes, are available when determined appropriate.

Currently, there are thirteen self-contained classes in the district, Language Learning Disabilities (LLD) or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based. These programs have allowed many Summit students the opportunity to be educated in the least restrictive environment. 

In addition to teachers and instructional assistants, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and behavior analysts provide related services and/or consultation in accordance with the IEPs of classified students.