We recognize that each child within our school is an individual. As such, every child has unique learning needs, abilities, hopes, dreams, and talents. In those instances when a child demonstrates a need that is unique from his or her peers, we have processes and resources in place to provide him or her with needed help and support. In particular, we adhere to the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework to provide students with support to overcome learning challenges. To learn more about this framework and the support we can offer students, please click the link below:
In certain instances, support is best provided through a formal support plan. This could include help from members of our Special Education team or through the assistance of a 504 plan. For more information about these two support options, please continue reading below.
Special Education
Our Special Education team consists of teachers that support a child’s participation and learning in the regular education classroom, as well as special classes throughout Alpine School District that provide students with particular need more individualized support. For all children, Special Education services are administered only when need of a significant degree has been identified. This need is determined through academic and cognitive testing, as well as assessment of a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, motor skill, vision, or language development. If sufficient need is found, our team of highly skilled professionals stands ready to meet the needs of every child, no matter how big or small. If you have questions about your child’s needs or would simply like to know more about these services, please contact your child’s teacher.
504 Support
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that has important implications in the school setting. A part of this law referred to as Section 504 is designed to specifically protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in school programs and activities. Section 504 states: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . .” We believe strongly in adhering to this statute and work hard to provide students of need with support to access their content curriculum. Unlike special education services that help close achievement gaps and provide a child with individualized learning goals, the services provided through a 504 plan are to ensure a child is able to access the curriculum.
Perhaps you’ve heard about a Section 504 plan, but you’re not entirely sure what it is. We’re here to help! Section 504 plans are sometimes misunderstood, but they are by no means secret. It is our hope that our Liberty Hills families can know more about the scope of these valuable plans that are a needed part in the educational experiences of some students. To help bring added clarity and understanding, Principal Eagar has prepared a helpful video for parents. To access this video, click the link below:
If you have questions about your child’s ability to access what is being taught in the classroom, please contact our school 504 Coordinator, Principal Zach Eagar, at 801-610-8735.