Special Education Basics for Parents and the Community

Bethel-Tate Board of Education

112 N Union St
Bethel, OH 45106
(513) 734-2238

Introduction

Many students face academic problems at times during their school years. For most students, traditional teaching strategies are enough to resolve these problems successfully. However, some children  will need additional intervention in order to succeed in school.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law which mandates that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Bethel-Tate schools offer special education services to students who need additional intervention in order to meet their educational goals.  

Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan for a child who has a disability. IEP’s are developed through a collaborative effort which includes school personnel and the parents. Any student who is eligible for special education services will have an IEP.

The IEP includes instructional goals and objectives, a description of services to be provided to your child and an explanation of how your child’s progress will be measured. Your child’s IEP must be reviewed at least once a year.

Special Education Services

Special education teachers assist  students with and without disabilities. The services are provided in general classrooms, special education resource rooms, or in other settings as dictated by the student’s needs.

Some students may need additional help, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or a teacher’s aide. Out-of-district placements also may be used when a student has needs which require special services not available in the school.

What steps should I take to get help for my child?

Contact the teacher: Many times establishing productive communication with the student’s teachers and continual work at home are all that a student needs to succeed.  

Contact the school principal:  If you still have concerns, the school’s principal should be contacted. When meeting with the principal, it is helpful to bring information about previous attempts to help your child and why you feel these attempts were unsuccessful. It is also valuable to have a clear vision of how you would like to see the issues resolved.

Intervention is provided for students who need it: The school district tries to respond to   parents’ concerns by offering intervention services. The type of help offered  is determined by a team of people, typically consisting of teachers, administrators, a psychologist, a guidance counselor, and parents. If the team decides the interventions are not successful, then a full evaluation of the child would be conducted.

What are the legal rights of parents and children?  

The State of Ohio has designed a booklet called, “Whose IDEA is this?” which explains a parent’s rights under special education law s. This booklet is given to parents every time their child has an IEP meeting. The booklet also may be obtained at the board office or at  any of the schools. The brochure outlines the steps for identifying students with special needs and the procedures for helping them.

For more information, parents can check the Ohio Department of Education website:  www.ode.state.oh.us

How can parents get involved in the schools? 

There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in Bethel-Tate Local Schools. The schools keep parents informed through open houses, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters and a website: www.betheltate.org

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings may be scheduled with parents if their child has a disability or other special needs. Parents also can get involved in their child’s education through the PTO, the Bethel-Tate School Planning Commission and the Community Link committee.

Bethel-Tate School Board Mission Statement

As representatives of the Bethel-Tate community, the board of education will provide the resources that are necessary and adequate to achieve excellence in education in a safe and healthy atmosphere.

Where can parents learn more about special education services?   

For more information about

 special education

 in Bethel-Tate Local Schools,

 parents  can contact:

Sam Snyder

Curriculum/Special Education

Phone: 734-2238

Matt Wagner

William Bick Primary Principal

Phone: 734-4025

Kay Nau

Ebon C. Hill Intermediate Principal

Phone: 734-8080

Steve Gill

Bethel-Tate Middle School Principal

Phone: 734-2261

Dr. Mimi Webb

Bethel-Tate High School Principal

Phone: 734-2271