Special Education

Plano ISD provides special education services for students with disabilities. To be eligible for special education services, a student must qualify in one of the following areas: autism, emotional disturbance, learning disability, mental retardation, physical disability, speech impairment, traumatic brain injury, or visual or auditory impairment.

Plano ISD believes in educating students in the least restrictive environment. Planning for a student’s special education services begins on the neighborhood campus in the age-appropriate regular education classroom. Supplementary aids and services support the student in the regular education classroom. Support services are also available in special education settings on the neighborhood campus, as well as district-level services. A full continuum of instructional and related services is available to eligible students. Parents are members of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Committee, which develops an appropriate plan for each student. For additional information about special education in Plano ISD, contact the district’s Special Education Office at 469-752-8100.

Resource

Students requiring specially designed instruction (SDI) beyond what can be provided in a general education classroom may receive instruction in a Special Education setting. The amount of time a student spends in this setting varies depending on the student’s specific needs. A student may receive instruction in a Special Education classroom for a portion of any academic subject and the rest of instruction in general education classes. Behavior supports can be provided in the resource environment based on the student's prescriptive ARD.

Elevate

 The Elevate classroom serves students requiring specially designed instruction (SDI) at the prerequisite level beyond what can be provided in a general education or resource classroom. Students receive the majority of their core academic instruction in the Elevate setting. This classroom is designed to address functional academics, social skills, communication, self-advocacy, daily living skills, and independent or interdependent living skills. Student schedules are individualized and inclusion in the general education classroom is based on the individual student.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Fact Sheet
Plano ISD Special Education Services
SpEdTex Special Education Information Center
Texas Education Agency - Special Education

Child Find Handbook

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