Special Education
Rusty Taylor, Director of Special Services
208-448-1423, fax 208-448-4629
Welcome to the West Bonner Schools Special Education Department, where all children are special and where we believe in the value and potential of every student. The Special Education Department aims to enhance the academic performance of students with disabilities by ensuring equal access to the general education curriculum and providing differentiated instruction within their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). We provide and monitor the delivery of a comprehensive and seamless continuum of services for students with disabilities. We strive to provide an education where every student, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to grow and learn in a safe and secure environment where individual needs are assessed and nurtured.
Children develop and learn at different rates. Some children have disabilities that interfere with their ability to make progress in their educational programs. Others learn more easily and require program enhancements or a more challenging curriculum. West Bonner Schools offers a wide variety of specially designed services to meet the unique needs of children determined eligible for special education services by meeting the eligibility criteria outlined in the Idaho Special Education Manual. There is no "one size fits all" approach to special education services. Once a child has qualified for services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team comprised of a teacher, parent, and director of special education determines appropriate goals, accommodations/modifications, and LRE based on each student's individual needs.
All District schools are served by special education professionals and related service providers. Services will be provided at a student's home school to the extent that the student is progressing towards their goals. We are dedicated to providing services to support children in being educated alongside their neighborhood peers.
Special Services include:
- Special education, for children ages 3-21,
- Oversight of health services,
- Support for Section 504/ADA
- Truancy for all students
Special education is offered when a student;
- Has a disability
- And the disability adversely impacts the student’s education
- It requires specially designed instruction.
Idaho has 14 categories for special education qualifications. If you have concerns or questions about special education, please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor.