WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES?

Public schools will ensure that all students with disabilities who are eligible for kindergarten to 21 years of age, residing within their attendance area, have available to them a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.  The rights of children with disabilities and their parents will be protected in accordance with state and federal law.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?

Special education services are provided for students with disabilities in grades Kindergarten through age 21.  Special education and general education staff work together to provide needed services for eligible students and ensure that services are aligned with federal and state requirements.  Our multi-tiered system of academic and behavioral services is dependent on a strong, collaborative relationship between general and special education staff.

WHERE DO STUDENTS RECEIVE THEIR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS?

Most students are educated in their neighborhood school.  A small number of students are served in specialized programs, both within and outside of the district.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD?

If parents are concerned about their child’s academic and/or behavioral progress, they should first contact their child’s teacher.  Every effort is made to assess all students for level of need and to provide appropriate instruction and intervention based on that identified need.  Some students who do not respond to initial instruction over time may need additional interventions.  If at any time, the school or parent has reason to suspect a disability, a referral for a special evaluation may be initiated.

WHAT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES MIGHT STUDENTS RECEIVE?

Centennial has a full continuum of support and services for students who are eligible for special education services.  These support and services include:

• Mental Health Consultants
• Special Education Teachers (Learning Specialists)
• Psychologists
• Speech Pathologists
• Occupational and Physical Therapists
• Educational Assistants
• Record Managers

SUPPORTED/SPECIAL CLASSROOMS

Supported Classroom Program Description: Classrooms are located at Patrick Lynch, Centennial Middle and Centennial High School: 

The Supported Classrooms are district operated programs for students with disabilities in a general education building for the purpose of providing specially designed instruction and setting up support for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, preventing them from being successful in a less restrictive placement. Students can access on-site mental health services. Students generally participate 60-100% of their time in this supported classroom. The amount of time a student spends in this classroom is dependent on the amount of progress made towards an individual education plan.

• The student to staff ratio is low to allow individual and small group instruction to help students meet their individual goals (IEP) goals, and the present needs of the student.
• The goal of the class is to provide a safe, supportive, structured environment where the student’s needs are met as they work toward their individual goals and increased access to a general education setting.
• The students are valued by the school community and enjoy frequent opportunities for interaction with their peers in the general education classrooms.
• This classroom is staffed with 1 Licensed Teacher, 1-2 Educational Assistants, 1 Trillium Skills Trainer, and 1 Trillium Therapist. Additional support available to this classroom includes access, if needed, to a behavioral consultant, autism consultant, special education consultant, school psychologist, and speech pathologist.
• Classroom physical structures include a break area, individual and group work areas. Routines and instruction are designed to meet the behavior and emotional needs of students as well as academic needs. The classroom is a highly structured environment.

Special Class Program Description: Classrooms are located at Butler Creek, Centennial Middle and High School:

These Special Classes (SSC, ISC & SLS) are district-operated programs for students with disabilities in a general education building who need additional support to be successful in the school environment. These district programs provide structured environments tailored to teach specific skills students need in order to participate within a general education setting. Students may receive instruction in the Special Class, a general education classroom and/or school-wide environments.

• The student to staff ratio is low to allow individual and small group instruction to help students meet their individual goals. Goals range from academic to increasing independence in functional life skills.
• The classroom is closely linked to the related service fields of speech and language, occupational and physical therapy.
• The classroom is well equipped to handle sensory programs, feeding protocols, mobility concerns and provide positive behavioral support.
• Routines and instruction are designed to meet the behavior, functional academic and social needs of students. The classroom is a highly structured environment.
• The goal of the class is to provide a safe, supportive, structured environment where the student’s needs are met as they work toward their individual goals and increased access to a general education setting.

CHILD FIND

School districts must locate and identify individuals who have disabilities from birth to age 21.  If you, or someone you know, has a child with a disability who may be in need of special education and related services, you can initiate a referral through your local schools.

Call either:

• Centennial School District at 503-760-7990
• Multnomah Early Childhood Program (East County) at 503-261-5535

GET HELP WITH SPECIAL EDUATION QUESTIONS: OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION