Special Education

  • District 11 currently has 2,685 students on IEPs from preschool through age 21.

    District 11 exceeds the state target for students with IEPs in the following areas of state compliance:

    • Four-Year Graduation Rate: 89%
    • Dropout Rate: 7.9%
    • Least Restrictive Environment: 73.6%

    Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) speaks to our inclusive practices for SWD. What we know from research is that all students – both general education and students with IEPs – perform better when they are educated together in inclusive settings.

    • Significant Disproportionality

    Significant Disproportionality is related to whether there is disproportionate representation by race/ethnicity that is related to inappropriate policies/practices in the following areas:

    1. Over-identification for SPED, including over-representation in specific disability categories
    2. Placement of students in particular education settings (such as much less inclusive settings or out of district placements)
    3. Higher rate of suspensions/expulsions

    D11 is not considered to be significantly disproportionate in any of the three areas tracked.

     

Special Education

  • The District 11 Special Education Department is proud to provide special education and related services to all eligible students. Specialized services and supports are available from the ages to three through 21 as determined by an IEP team. Specialized instruction is provided in accordance with both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Exceptional Children's Education Act (ECEA).

    If you believe your child may be eligible for Special Education services, reach out to your school and ask to speak with a member of the MTSS or Special Education Team.

     

Philosophy

  • The District 11 Special Education Department believes that students with IEPs learn best in their neighborhood schools alongside typical peers. When students are part of their community, they develop a strong sense of belonging and become better-prepared for independent life after K-12 education. While many school districts offer programming in separate schools, District 11 offers specialized supports to schools in an individualized and responsive manner so that students may remain in the community where they live.