Prior to an evaluation for special education, students may participate in a Multi-tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) model, where they are given the opportunity to develop skills and close learning gaps through research-based interventions. Students who struggle to respond to these intensive interventions may be referred for an evaluation to determine if the student is eligible for special education services.
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools follows an evaluation model set forth by the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Exceptional Children. Evaluations are coordinated by the child’s building team, which may consist of all or some of the following team members: principal, classroom teacher, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, guidance counselor, intervention specialist and parent.
In accordance with rule 3301-51-06 of the Ohio Administrative Code, students may be defined as having a disability in one of the following areas:
- Intellectual Disability
- Hearing Impairment
- Deafness
- Speech or language impairment
- Visual Impairment
- Autism
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Other Health Impairment (minor/major)
- Specific Learning Disability
- Deaf-Blindness
- Multiple disabilities
- Emotional Disturbance
- Orthopedic Impairment
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 requires that, “to the maximum extent appropriate,” children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled.
A full continuum of special education service delivery exists in meeting the individual needs of students with disabilities.