Academics

The Department of Specialized Services supports special education students in all academic areas. When the IEP team determines that the student’s needs cannot be met through the regular education program as structured, the requirement for specially designed instruction in specific curricular areas is considered. Specially designed instruction means adapting the content, method, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the student that result from the student’s disability. This ensures access of the student to the general education curriculum so that the student can meet the education standards of the school district that apply to all students.

In general, most students with disabilities are capable of learning the content, scope, and sequence of the general education curriculum when the necessary modifications and adaptations in content and instruction strategies are made. The majority of students with disabilities are instructed along with their regular education peers using the Wisconsin Academic Standards.

Students with more significant disabilities, such as students with severe cognitive disabilities, may also need adjustments in curriculum based on their level of ability. These students receive instruction based on the Wisconsin Essential Elements and use the Unique curriculum, which encourages reading skills across core content areas.

Information regarding reading, math, social studies, and science curriculum for all students is available through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.