The Office of Specialized Services coordinates a wide variety of support services for all students in the Chicago Public Schools, including special education and related services for approximately 58,000 students with disabilities and students receiving related services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The core functions of the department are: (1) to support schools in providing high-quality education for students with disabilities and (2) to support schools in meeting students' social/emotional and physical health needs. Services provided include specialized educational services, low-incidence programs, health services, health education, social/emotional services, and professional development and training. These services are instrumental in ensuring that all students graduate prepared for employment that promotes productive, independent living.
 

COREY H. UPDATE

The Chicago Board of Education had hoped that court intervention under the Corey H. lawsuit would end on January 16, 2006. However, that has not happened. The matter remains in litigation and we will update school staff regarding the progress of the litigation. In the interim, Judge Robert Gettlemen of the United States District Court has entered an order requiring the Chicago Public Schools to maintain the status quo on all initiatives covered by the Corey H. settlement agreement.

All schools in the Education Connection program are expected to continue implementing the LRE plan and all schools involved in the ISBE LRE monitoring program are expected to continue implementing the LRE Continuous Improvement Plan. The LRE funds are available and the schools are expected to utilize these funds.

All staff is expected to fully cooperate with the CPS Office of Specialized Services and Law Department staff as well as staff from the court monitor's office and Illinois State Board of Education.

The Chicago Public Schools is dedicated to providing all its students with disabilities a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

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