Special Education
Special Education at SACS
Every learner. Every classroom. Every family. We partner with parents from preschool through high school to provide the services,
supports, and accommodations our students need to succeed — in their neighborhood school whenever possible.
Start Here: Requesting an Evaluation
If you believe your child may need special education services, you can request an evaluation in writing at any time. Here's what happens next:
- The school's Strategies for Student Success (SSS) team reviews your child's data and any prior interventions.
- If appropriate, an educational evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility under Indiana Article 7.
- If your child qualifies, a Case Conference Committee — including you — develops the Individual Education Program (IEP).
SACS also serves eligible non-public and home-schooled students who reside within district boundaries.
For questions specific to your school, contact the principal or case manager first. For district-wide concerns, reach out below.
Your Rights as a Parent
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) guarantees every eligible child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Indiana implements IDEA through Article 7. As a parent or guardian you have the right to:
- Request an evaluation in writing at any time.
- Receive written Procedural Safeguards at least once per year and any time an evaluation is proposed.
- Participate as an equal member of the case conference committee.
- Consent to — or decline — the initial provision of services.
- Inspect and copy your child's educational records.
- Disagree with the team and pursue mediation, a state complaint, or a due process hearing.
Read Indiana's full Procedural Safeguards (PDF) →
Central Office Special Education Team
District Specialists
Psychologists & Educational Diagnosticians
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Itinerants & Related Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Submit a written request to your child's school principal or case manager (email is fine). The Strategies for Student Success team will review existing data and decide next steps. Indiana Article 7 requires the team to provide written notice within ten (10) instructional days of receiving your request.
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An IEP (Individual Education Program) is for students who qualify for special education services under one of Indiana's eligibility categories — it provides specialized instruction and related services. A 504 Plan is for students with a disability that substantially limits a major life activity but who do not require specialized instruction; it provides accommodations within general education. Both are protected by federal law.
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At minimum: the parent(s), a general-education teacher, a special-education teacher, a district representative who can commit resources, someone who can interpret evaluation results, and the student when appropriate (required at age 14+). You may bring an advocate or anyone whose input you value.
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You have several options under Indiana Article 7: request another Case Conference, ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense, file a state complaint with the Indiana Department of Education, request mediation, or file for a due process hearing. INSOURCE and Indiana Disability Rights provide free help understanding these options.
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At least once every 12 months (an annual case review) and a full reevaluation of eligibility every three years. You can request a case conference any time you have concerns — you don't have to wait for the annual review.
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Whenever possible, yes. SACS is committed to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning students receive services alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. A small number of programs are housed at specific buildings; the team will discuss this with you if it applies.
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Read the draft IEP/evaluation report ahead of time, write down your child's strengths and your top 2–3 concerns, list any outside reports (medical, therapy, etc.), and bring questions. INSOURCE publishes a free "Case Conference Reminders for Parents" checklist linked in the Resources section below.
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Yes. SACS provides services to eligible students at non-public schools located within district boundaries, and to home-schooled students whose parents reside in SACS. Contact the central office to start the process.
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Four core programs operate K–12 plus an Early Childhood program: Learning Centers, Skills Labs, Special Needs classrooms, and the Developmental Preschool. Most students participate in a blend of general education and special education time based on their IEP.
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All special education records are protected under FERPA (federal) and Indiana student-records law. Only staff with a legitimate educational interest may access them. You have the right to inspect and request copies at any time.
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Article 7 is Indiana's special-education rule. It puts the federal IDEA law into specific Indiana procedures — eligibility categories, timelines, parent rights, dispute resolution. The full text is linked under "Your Rights" below.
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Specialized transportation is included on the IEP only when the team determines it's necessary for the student to access their education. For routine bus questions, contact SACS Transportation; for transportation as a related service, raise it at your case conference.