Special Services

Special Education is subject to federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004, which dictates the standards that all states must meet. In addition to the IDEA Federal Regulations, Michigan has Administrative Rules for Special Education that sets a higher standard than the federal mandates. Together, they require public agencies to offer a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets individual needs of students with disabilities.

A pre-referral process begins when students are suspected of having a disability that adversely affects their educational and/or functional performance in the general education classroom. Initially, a variety of scientifically based research interventions are tried in the general education classroom. The effectiveness of these interventions is reviewed periodically by a team of school staff, known as the Student Based Intervention Team (SBIT).

If the student’s education performance does not improve, a referral is made to the district’s special services office. The program specialist or special education director will notify the parent to request consent to evaluate.

Each student suspected of having a disability will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary evaluation team. This team’s report will make a recommendation for eligibility to the individual education program team. The information presented will be drawn from a variety of sources, including parent input.

For students who are found to be eligible for special education, the IEP team is charged with developing a written plan to address the following:

  • The student’s present level of academic achievement and functional performance.

  • Annual goals and short-term objectives to address the individual needs. This will include the appropriate criteria, evaluation procedures, and schedules for each short-term objective.

  • The educational placement of the student with a disability in programs and services from a continuum of placements.

Adam Heerspink
Special Services Director
Contact Adam Heerspink

Janie McComb
Secretary of Special Services
Contact Janie McComb

Special Services Fax
Fax: (810) 591-9158

Resources

Child Find: Special Education and/or Section 504 Notice

Bentley Community Schools offer evaluations, programs and services to individuals who are identified as having, or who are suspected of having a disability as defined in either the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services are available to eligible person’s ages 0-26 who reside within, or attend a K-12 program within the school district attendance boundaries. For more information about available services, parents/student rights or referral procedures, contact the Special Services Office at 810-591-9543.

Regulation/Rule §300.111 Child Find (a) General. (1) The State must have in effect policies and procedures to ensure that – (i) All children with disabilities residing in the State, including children with disabilities who are homeless children or are wards of the State, and children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located and evaluated.