PHILOSOPHY

When students believe that success is possible, they will try. Our first priority in any class is to help students believe in themselves and their ability to learn. We can guarantee students that they will have the best year ever if we ask three things of them and we do the rest:

• They show up every day
• They come with the attitude that they can and will learn something
• They try

MISSION

The purpose of special education is to assist students in becoming responsible, contributing citizens.

BELIEFS

• All students are members of the educational community.
• All students have the potential to learn and grow.
• All students should be respected, supported and educated with staff and resources to meet their needs. Curriculum incorporates all areas of lifelong learning.
• Curriculum encompasses diverse instruction for all learners.
• All staff share responsibility in assuring that all students receive free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
• Special education and community agencies promote students’ growth and development in collaboration among students, families and general education.
• Continuous improvement of services is dependent upon evaluations of systems, programs, student progress and the implementation of needed change.

EQUITY FOCUS
The SPPS Special Education Department is committed to reducing the disparity of our most marginalized students, primarily our African American males, by bringing the inequity to the forefront. We will achieve excellence through equity for all students with disabilities by providing access to culturally responsive curriculum, environment and instructional practices. See the section on Racial Equity on page 8 for more information.