Special Education

Lakeland School System provides a continuum of supports and services to preschool students, ages 3-5,  and school-aged students, grades K-11, identified as having an educational disability and requiring specialized instruction.

Helpful Links and Resources for Families:

Special Education Evaluation and Eligibility

The link below provides information regarding assessment procedures and eligibility criteria for the 16 educational disability categories as identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA).  IDEIA is the Federal Law governing the education of students with disabilities:

Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disturbance, Functional Delay, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Intellectually Gifted, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment.

https://www.tn.gov/education/families/student-support/special-education/special-education-evaluation-eligibility.html

Procedural Safeguards

The Notice of Procedural Safeguards explains parents’ specific rights and responsibilities available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. This notice contains a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available to families under IDEIA.  

Aviso de Garantías Procesales Ley de Educación Para Personas con Discapacidades

Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)

STEP provides training and resources to families and schools in order to promote access to high quality education for all students.  STEP supports families in navigating the special education process.

https://tnstep.info (link updated 7-2024)