The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Alaska Special Education Handbook, and state and local school board policies regulate Special Education at Wrangell Public Schools.
Children from the ages of 3 to their 22nd birthday with disabilities are provided special education and related services if they are determined eligible under the criteria identified in the IDEA and echoed in our state and local statutes. All students are entitled to a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. For students with disabilities, additional resources are typically necessary in order for those students to access a free, appropriate public education, and they also typically will require modifications to their environment which can include accommodations and modifications in the general education environment and/or time away from class for targeted support.
Two special education teachers, one at the elementary school and one at the secondary schools implement the accommodations, modifications, and services (both special education and related services) for all students who have been determined eligible by the IEP team. The IEP team is composed of a general education teacher or teachers, the special education teacher, a district representative (typically the Principal), and most importantly the parents of the student in need. The Special Education Coordinator monitors to ensure that the district is in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing WPSD's special education programming and that special education teachers have the necessary training and resources.
If you are concerned about your child’s development or suspect your child has a disability, please contact WPS District Office or any of the individuals listed for more information regarding the eligibility criteria, the referral process for evaluation, and any questions you may have about special education at WPSD. All information regarding your child will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.
Wrangell Public Schools provides, free of cost to parents, all necessary evaluations in order to determine if a student who has been referred for evaluation meets the eligibility criteria under IDEA. If and when a student has been determined eligible, WPSD provides, free of cost to parents, all necessary services in order to meet their needs and ensure that they are making adequate progress toward the goals and objectives the team has set for them.
