Special education services assist teachers in meeting the unique needs of all learners by providing support to the students and classroom teachers. Creativity in problem solving and collaborative decision making is fundamental in the promotion of inclusive practices. In September of 1998, individuals from OSEP, Office of Special Education Programs in Washington D.C., visited the state of Nebraska. In summarizing their visit, they identified the inclusive practices at Westside Community Schools as a statewide highlight. A full continuum of services is available, including direct individual support to fully inclusive programming.
Related services supplement the student's educational program.
Every attempt is made to develop plans for students which can be carried out in the neighborhood school. When that is not possible, building teams will consider all appropriate options with parents. Assessment methods which are consistent with the curriculum are used to make these decisions. The IEP is a document prepared through collaborative planning with teachers, parents and, when appropriate, the student. The purpose of the IEP is to determine the student's current level of performance, to establish annual goals to be accomplished, and the services needed during the year.