Eligibility:

To qualify for special education, the following criteria must be met:

• The student must have a disability, and
• the disability must have a significant negative impact on the student’s education, and
• the impact can only be addressed through specially designed education.

Special Education Process:

Special education is governed by numerous processes and procedures designed to provide your student with an appropriate educational program. Please find OSPI’s 10-Step Guide to the Special Education Process and BISD’s Parent Guardian Guide to Special Education Handbook (coming soon!) as helpful resources.

IEP meetings are intended to be collaborative and supportive where all voices are heard. Please find When the IEP Team Meets as another helpful resource.

How to Apply for Services:

If your child is struggling, speak to your child’s teacher or contact the building principal. The district has many resources to help students before turning to special education. Families who wish to investigate whether their child would qualify for special education services should contact a school counselor for a confidential consultation.