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PROGRAMS
& SERVICES:
SPECIAL EDUCATION
(Updated 9/19/08)
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OVERVIEW
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The department’s special
education consultants provide technical assistance to schools and other organizations
to help ensure that schools understand and comply with federal and state laws and
regulations related to providing special education services. In addition, the special
education division offers a due process procedure to parents who have concerns about
the services offered to their children.
Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, Vermont is
required to identify and evaluate students who have disabilities and to offer them
individualized education programs (IEP) for special education and related services.
Decisions regarding the services that are included in an IEP are made by a team using
a process specified in the law. An IEP team includes a student’s classroom teacher,
special educator, parent(s) and a representative of the school district who is empowered
to commit resources such as staff time or funding. By law, schools are required to
carry out provisions outlined in a student's IEP.
Find information about
the following:
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LINKS
TO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION
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Annual State Application Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as Amended in 2004 for Federal Fiscal Year 2008
Each year the Department of Education submits an application for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) administration and discretionary grants. The Office of Special Education Programs requires that the application be posted for a 60 day comment period before submission. The application contains policy assurances and proposed use of funds.
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Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS)
Positive Behavioral Supports also known as PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), can best be described as a systems approach to academic achievement and social competence for all children. PBS is not a model, but a compilation of research based practices, interventions and systems integrated to improve the educational experience of all students, including those with disabilities. |
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Governing Councils
These federally mandated councils advise the departments of health and education to ensure that the needs of children (birth through 21) with disabilities are met.
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Vermont Special Education Advisory Council (VSEAC)
This council advises the Vermont Department of Education of unmet educational needs of children (ages 3-21) who have disabilities.
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Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC)
This council advises the agency of Human Services and the Department of Education to ensure the development and implementation of a statewide system of early intervention services for families and their infants and toddlers (birth through three) with special needs.
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Vermont Higher Education Collaborative for Education Workforce Development (VT-HEC)
The VT-HEC was formed in 2000 as part of Act 117. It is the joint work of the Vermont Department of Education, the Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont. The VT-HEC, along with Vermont school districts and other education related organizations, are working together in new ways to make quality preparation, development and support programs accessible to educators and educators-to-be in all parts of Vermont. |
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Student Support Newsletter: September 2008
This newsletter provides an opportunity for the student support division* to share some of the great work going on in schools around the state and serves as a resource of new information and materials available to educators.
* NOTE: The division includes teams responsible for the educational support system (ESS), interagency coordination, data, BEST, monitoring & special education. |
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CONTACT
INFORMATION
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General Inquiries
About Special Education
General questions about special education and special education services may
be directed to (802) 828-3130. This is an automated telephone line; dial a
specific extension or follow the prompts for special education to reach a receptionist.
Inquiries About Services for a Specific Child
Questions about a specific child who is receiving special education services
are best directed to the Special Education Assistance Line. On this line, a caller
may leave a voice mail message for a return call from a special education consultant;
calls are usually returned within one business day. Reach the TA line at (802)
828-5114.
To ensure confidentiality, special education consultants do not correspond via
e-mail about specific children who are receiving special education services. |
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