Frequently Asked Questions about: Special Education
Is a child who has a diagnosed medical problem, but suffers no adverse effect on educational performance eligible to receive special education services?
No. The student must need specially designed instruction due to the disabling condition.
Who sets the eligibility criteria for special education students in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Board of Education (Based upon Federal Law).
What is “adverse effect on educational performance”?
The Kentucky Regulations define this as: “The progress of the child is impeded by the disability to the extent that the educational performance is significantly and consistently below the level of similar age peers.”
What is an IEP?
IEP stands for Individual Education Program. This plan contains the type of specialized educational services and related services the district will provide to a student eligible for special education services.
Who decides the contents of an IEP?
The IEP team. In Kentucky this is called the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC). The membership of this committee is stated in the Federal and Kentucky Regulations.
Does an ARC team determine a child’s placement before writing the contents of an IEP?
No.
Can a child receive special education services before the child has been evaluated and determined eligible for special education?
No.
What is the purpose of providing special education services?
The purpose is to assist the child in making educational progress.
Does a school district have to report a child’s progress on his/her IEP goals to parents?
Yes.
Are special education services always delivered by a special education teacher?
No.