Special Needs Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students are provided the necessary support to equalize the educational experience, to achieve academic success, and reach their fullest potential as they progress through the International Baccalaureate program while attending International Academy of Macomb (IAM).

It is important for parents/guardians to have continual communication with the staff at the IAM when a students has a current IEP or a 504 plan, as well if there are needs that arise while attending the IAM that may make a student eligible for support.

Special Education Protocol

Special Education students who are enrolled at the International Academy of Macomb will be serviced by itinerants from the student's home school district and/or Macomb Intermediate School District related services providers.

If the parents and/or staff of a student attending the International Academy of Macomb and/or representatives from the student's home school district feel that an IAM student needs to be evaluated for Special Education services, the assessment procedures and, if determined eligible certified, future services will be provided by the student's home school district and/or MISD related services providers.

The annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team meeting will be the responsibility of the home school district. Any other meetings scheduled on an as-needed basis, for a Special Education student attending the International Academy of Macomb, will be initiated by and held at the IAM, attended by the student's parents, as well as appropriate representatives from the IAM and the student's home school district and/or MISD.

Any Special Education materials and/or supplies needed by a Special Education student attending the International Academy of Macomb will be furnished by the student's home school district and/or the MISD as defined by the student's IEP.

Section 504 Protocol

The staff at the IAM work in collaboration with representatives from the student's home district to initiate facilitate, and maintain a Section 504 plan.

Student Study Team Process

A parent/guardian, teacher or other staff member may initiate a student study team meeting to discuss any personal or academic concerns that may be impeding a student's academic progress. The counselor at the IAM is the first point of contact when initiating such a request.

References

• IB Publication: Special Educational Needs within the International Baccalaureate Programmes. (August 2010)

• MISD/International Academy of Macomb Special Education Protocol

• Mesa Public Schools Special Education Needs (SEN) Policy