Policy Details Page

Policy No. 2161
Instruction

---

The district recognizes that students whose disabilities adversely impact educational performance and who require specially designed instruction can improve their educational performance when they receive special education and related services tailored to fit their
needs. The district adopts the state’s full educational opportunity goal to provide students in need of special education services with a free appropriate public education.

Special education programs for students eligible for special education shall be an integral part of the general educational programs of this district, and shall be operated in compliance with federal and state requirements governing special education. The district will provide a continuum of placement options which may include services within and outside the district depending on the student’s needs.

Not all students with disabilities are eligible for special education services. The needs of those students will be addressed individually and, if appropriate, the student will be provided accommodations or modifications required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in accordance with district policy and procedures.

Mediation or Resolution Agreements

The board authorizes the superintendent or a designee to bind the district to a mediation or resolution agreement.

Certificate of Attendance

In order to participate in commencement exercises, students must have met the minimum criteria for graduation or in the judgment of the high school principal, there must be a reasonable expectation that the student will complete her/his graduation requirements within
the current school year as defined by the state. The minimum criteria for participation may be adjusted for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) whose disabilities have impacted their opportunity to accumulate credits. Each student’s IEP team will determine the student’s graduation plan, including graduation date. Participation in graduation ceremonies is established by the district graduation policy. Students with IEPs who have attended four years of high school and need additional time to complete IEP goals and/or credits may participate in formal graduation ceremonies and related activities with his or her peers. Such students will receive a certificate of attendance until they complete their requirements for graduation.

The superintendent shall develop and maintain special education procedures necessary to implement this policy. This policy and the procedures shall be available to the public.

Cross-References:

• Board Policy 2162 Education of Students with Disabilities under Section 504
• Board Policy 3231 Student Records
• Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment
• Board Policy 2410 High School Graduation Requirements

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.155 Special Education
• RCW 49.60 Law against Discrimination
• WAC 392-172A Rules for the Provision of Special Education
• 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
• 42 U.S.C. 12131-12133 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• 28 CFR Part 35 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
• 34 CFR Part 99 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• 29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, Pub. L. 93-516, 29 U.S.C. 794
• 34 CFR Part 104 Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance
• 34 CFR Part 300 Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children With Disabilities
• 34 CFR Part 303 Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities

Management Resources:

• Policy News, December 1999 Rule Adoption Leads to Special Education Policy
• Policy News, June 2007 Graduation Ceremonies for Special Education Students
• Policy News, December 2007 Updated Special Education Policy and Procedure

---

Adoption Date: 07.27.00
Revised: 12/07