CONTACT INFORMATION
Sarah Knaebel, Director of Student Services
(740) 852-5700, Ext 3051
sarah.knaebel@london.k12.oh.us
Ashley Beery, Student Services Coordinator
(740)- 852-5700
Julia Smith, Administrative Assistant
(740) 852-5700, Ext 2102
STUDENT SERVICES RESOURCES:
Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Autism Society, Central Ohio (ASCO) offers families and professional educational opportunities to learn about autism on a local and national level. ASCO strives to offer a variety of workshops, family supports and informational sessions by local and national leaders. Follow them on: Twitter @ASCentralOhio, Instagram #AutismSocietyCentralOhio, and www.autismcentralohio.org
Madison County Special Olympics, 510 Elm Street, London, 740-852-7052
A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
State Required Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement
The parties in the Doe v. Ohio Department of Education class action have submitted a proposed settlement to the U.S. District Court for approval. This lawsuit did not involve London City Schools, but the district is required by law to post this information.
Special Education and Student Services
Student Services
London City Schools’ Student Services Department oversees the areas of Special Education, English Language Learners, Preschool, Section 504, Gifted & Talented, and Nursing Services.
The London City School District provides a comprehensive program of services to students ages 3 to 21 identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and as required by law. Services are provided as required by Ohio’s Model Policies and Procedures for the Education of Children with Disabilities.
Intervention assistance teams in each school assist staff and parents in providing assessments, evaluations, and interventions for student needs in the general education classroom. Individuals qualify for special education services when they have one or more of the following disabilities, according to state and federal guidelines:
Intellectual disability
Hearing impairment
Speech or language impairment
Visual impairment
Emotional disturbance
Orthopedic impairment
Autism
Traumatic brain injury
Other health impairment
Specific learning disability
Deafness
Deaf-blindness
Multiple disabilities
Developmental delay (preschool only)
Students needing specialized instruction and support are given an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Special education services for each student with disabilities are written into each student’s IEP. We have high expectations for all London City Schools children, and in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), ensure access to the general education curriculum in a student’s least restrictive environment (LRE), which means providing services to students in the regular education classroom environment to the maximum extent possible.
The district's Student Services department provides services based on student needs and specific support services, testing and assessment, and alternative programming. Students with more intensive needs, or very specialized needs, may be placed in programs outside of the district.
District’s Continuum of Services
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) requires states to establish procedures to ensure, "that to the maximum extent appropriate," students with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. Programs serving children with learning challenges as well as those with speech/language and other related services needs are available in all schools.
A. Regular Education Classes/Inclusion
Collaboration/consultation/co-teaching services focus on special educators (Intervention Specialists) and general educators working together to best meet the needs of students with disabilities as well as children who may be "at-risk". Each school operates Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to promote data-driven instruction, individualize learning experiences, and to effectively integrate resources that would positively impact the child's educational program.
B. Individual/Small Group Setting (Tutoring)
The Individual/Small Group Instruction program provides students with disabilities support that helps to increase their opportunity to benefit from a regular class placement. This is supplemental instruction that focuses on targeted IEP goals and objectives. Depending upon each student’s individual needs, this instruction could include academic support, as well as assisting students in becoming independent in the "process" of learning through the use of compensatory strategies, and study/organizational techniques.
C. Resource Room
A resource room serves children whose disabilities require intensive programming. Continued participation in the child's regular class activities is encouraged. A resource room offers an alternative/modified curriculum in a small group setting, which provides personalized options that are not offered in the general education program. These placements are considered cross-categorical, meaning students with a variety of disabilities are served in the same special class.
D. Separate Facility
Separate facilities are, typically, schools outside of the district, that are designed specifically for students with disabilities.
E. Home Instruction
Home instruction is an individualized education program provided at home to a child with a disability that prevents the child from attending a regular or special program even with the aid of special transportation.
F. Institutions and Hospitals
Related Services
Related Services are support services needed to allow children with disabilities to benefit from special education. Students with disabilities may receive related services that could include:
Adapted Physical Education Services
Aide Services
Audiological Services
Behavior Consultant
Interpreter Services
Occupational Therapy Services
Orientation & Mobility Services
Physical Therapy Services
School Psychological Services
Speech and Language Services
Transportation
Vision Specialist
Transition Services
Counseling Services
Nursing Services
Section 504
The district will make available its policy of nondiscrimination against persons with disabilities and inform parents of their rights under Section 504 (including the right to examine records relevant to their child and the right to an impartial hearing with representation by counsel) anytime the district takes action with regard to identification, evaluation, educational program or educational placement of a student with a disability. Parents should contact the Director of Student Services regarding any questions related to Section 504 and/or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you have concerns about your child’s educational progress, you may start by meeting with his or her teacher to discuss your concerns. You may also contact the building administrator(s) or the district Student Services Department.