Program Support

Building a solid foundational understanding of how to support students with disabilities is critical in developing a strong special education program. This section will provide guidance on the fundamentals of special education and focuses on both the compliance and performance aspects of programs for students with disabilities.

Local Educational Agencies throughout the state utilize Non-Public Schools and Non-Public Agencies to provide educational placements and services to students who receive special education services. Adherence to the guidance below will help schools avoid funding and programmatic problems and prevent any disruption to the educational program of the students being served.

Responding appropriately to challenging behaviors and addressing the mental health needs of students continues to be a critical conversation in schools across the K-12 system. Building a positive school culture and climate is the first step in fostering student growth. Schools can utilize the resources in this section to support all staff in creating a safe and secure learning environment for all. By promoting healthy and safe learning environments, schools can set the foundation for increased academic rigor and progress as students feel cared for and engaged in the learning environment.

The Special Education Information System (SEIS) provides centralized online management and storage of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and special education student records. Teachers and service providers can edit IEP forms at any time, from any device, with internet access. The IEP forms are pre-populated with information from the SEIS Student Record, which eliminates repetitive data entry.

Specific disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, present their own unique challenges within the learning environment. Gain a strong foundational understanding of specific disabilities and learn targeted evidence-based strategies to support students with needs in identified areas. Success comes when appropriate strategies are matched with specific needs of the disability.

Inclusive learning environments provide opportunities for all students to access education in the general education setting to the maximum amount appropriate. Resources provided in this section will allow all staff (General Education, Administration, and Special Education) to understand how every student can be included.

Preparing students for a successful transition into adult life, is the culmination of their entire educational experience. This section aims to promote value, and provide guidance around how to support students’ transition from high school or age 18-22 programs to college, career, and civic life responsibilities.

The SELPA Statewide Assessment Spotlight provides commonly used resources located on the California Department of Education’s website. Use this section to navigate content from the California Department of Education regarding the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts and Math, the California Science Test (CAST), the California Alternate Assessment, Interim Assessments, Formative assessment tools from the digital library, and information on other statewide assessments including the English Language Proficiency Assessments of California (ELPAC) and Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

Paraeducators play a major role supporting students with disabilities across educational settings. It is critical that paraeducators are provided the training and ongoing coaching necessary for understanding the impact of disabilities in the educational setting and their responsibility in mitigating potential barriers, increasing access to instruction, and, thus promoting independence and positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

Special education is a complex and ever-changing system of principles, practices, relevant laws and policies. Understanding special education processes and working with your school can be complex. Whether you have a question about special education or need support in working with your school, we are here to help.