What are IEP and 504 plans?
There are two types of written plans, which must be
developed and implemented by public schools regarding students with
disabilities. First, students with disabilities requiring only
reasonable accommodation must have a written plan under Section 504;
this is commonly referred to as a 504 plan. Each public school should
have a person (usually an assistant principal or a guidance counselor,
but not a special educator) who serves as the school's "504
coordinator." This person should coordinate the development,
maintenance, and implementation of 504 plans.
504 plans should be developed by a committee, consisting of the student
with a disability (if appropriate), the student's
parent(s)/guardian(s), the student's teacher(s), the student's
counselor, and the 504 coordinator.
Additionally, special educators often serve as advisors to 504
committees. The student's disability and corresponding need for
reasonable accommodation are identified and documented in the plan.
Likewise, the plan delineates the specific accommodations, which will
be implemented by the school. All school staff involved in the
provision of accommodations should be contacted by the 504 coordinator
and made aware of their duties and responsibilities. The plan itself
should be updated at least annually.
For students with disabilities who require specialized instruction, the
IDEA controls the procedural requirements. The IDEA process is more
involved than that required under Section 504. Instruction and
accommodation under the IDEA are provided in accord with a plan called
an Individualized Education Program, known as an IEP. A student's IEP
is a legal document which, in part, sets forth the duties and
responsibilities of the school district and staff regarding that
student. It is the responsibility of special educators, regular
education teachers, administrators, counselors, and other professional
educators to be thoroughly familiar with the provisions of the IEP for
EACH of their students with disabilities.
U.S. Dept. of Education IEP Guide 556 KB .pdf
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What is IDEA?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
(IDEA) aligns IDEA closely to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB),
helping to ensure equity, accountability and excellence in education
for children with disabilities.
Final Regulations
On August 3, 2006, the U.S. Department of Education has announced the
final Part B regulations to implement the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). On August 14, 2006, the
official copy of the final Part B regulations of the IDEA was published
in the Federal Register.
Federal Register 1.43 MB .pdf
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Can I get a copy of the student/parent rights as outlined by the Douglas County School District?
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What do all those acronyms mean?
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How many schools are in DCSD & what are the student ratios in the classrooms?
Douglas County School District began the 2006-2007 school year with
41elementary schools, eight high schools, seven middle schools, six
charter schools, an alternative high school, an expeditionary
learning/outward bound magnet school, a night high school and 33
preschool sites. The University Center at Chaparral in Parker also
offers students a unique opportunity to participate in college-level
courses while attending high school.
Two new elementary schools opened in Highlands Ranch in August 2005
(Copper Mesa and Redstone elementaries). In addition, the Board of
Education has selected a site for High School #9 in Parker.
| Preschool Sites | 33 | | Elementary Schools | 41 | | Middle Schools | 7 | | High Schools | 8 | | Night High School | 1 | | Alternative High School | 1 | | Charter Schools | 7 | | ELOB Magnet School | 1 | | University Center | 1 |
Douglas County spans much of the distance—nearly 900 square
miles—between Denver and Colorado Springs. Its northern boundary is
County Line Road; its southern boundary extends past the Town of
Larkspur.
The District strives to maintain average class sizes of 26 students
per classroom teacher. We staff our schools according to the following
ratios: | Grades K-3 | 23 | | Grades 4-6 | 26 | | Grades 7-8 | 19.5 | | Grades 9-12 | 20.5 |
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