File:  IHBA - Special Education/Programs for Handicapped/Disabled/Exceptional Students

In keeping with the intention of the state of Colorado to offer educational opportunities to all students which will enable them to lead fulfilling and productive lives, the district shall provide appropriate educational opportunities to all resident students in accordance with the requirements of state and federal law.

All children and youth with a disabling condition between the ages of three and 21 who have not received a high school diploma, received a GED or otherwise completed high school have the right to a free appropriate public education.

All children and youth with disabling conditions between the ages of three and 21 shall be provided individualized educational programs appropriate to meet their educational, instructional, transitional and related services needs.  To enable a parent/guardian to make informed decisions, all of the educational options available to the child through the district at the time of the individualized education program (IEP) shall be explained to the parent/guardian.

A child shall become eligible for services on the third birthday.  A youth reaching age 21 after the beginning of an academic year shall have the right to complete that year or attend until graduation, whichever comes first.

Students with disabilities are required by federal law to be included in state and district-wide assessments, with appropriate accommodations where necessary.  Any IEP developed for a student with disabilities shall specify whether the student shall achieve the district´s adopted content standards or whether the student shall achieve individualized standards which would indicate the student has met the requirements of his or her IEP.

The district also shall take steps to make the general public aware that all children and youth from birth through age 21 suspected of having a disabling condition have a right to a formal determination as to whether they have such a condition. 

The Board shall have the final determination on placement of students in these programs.

Adopted:  August 1998

LEGAL REFS.:  20 U.S.C. §1401 et seq. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

29 U.S.C. §701 et seq. (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

C.R.S. 22-7-407 (6)

C.R.S. 22-20-101 et seq. (Exceptional Children's Education Act)

C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(bb)

CROSS REFS.:  AEA, Standards Based Education

IA, Instructional Goals and Learning Objectives

IHBIB, Primary/Preprimary Education

JHD-E, Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance

JK-2, Disclipline of Students with Disabilities

ACE, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap/Disability