What are special education services?
Special education services are the supports, settings, and instruction provided to an individual student,
supplementing general education curriculums and settings. The scope and design of each student’s services are driven
by their evaluation.
Continuum Approach
- Learn about Seattle Public Schools' approach to delivering special education.
What services will your student receive?
Services are based on each eligible student’s unique educational needs. Every student receiving special education
services has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) which defines what services that student receives.
IEP (Individualized Education
Program) - This document comprehensively describes the special education services an individual
student receives. The format of an IEP is standardized, but the details are specific to each student. Each student's
IEP is developed by their IEP team.
Services must align with the student's established needs.
Placement and Primary Service
Types - Placement is informed by the IEP and defines the setting, intensity, and
instructional content of each student’s services. Within Seattle Public Schools, each IEP team selects a SPS
Primary Service type based on placement decisions. This choice will determine some aspects of service
delivery within Seattle Public Schools.
Where will your student receive services?
Assignment and Service
Locations - A student's assignment is the location where they attend school. The
district determines assignment, after considering the student’s placement and services. When possible and
appropriate, students receiving special education services will be served in their neighborhood school. Some
students may have modified assignments due to the complexity of their services.
How will your student change or maintain services?
Changing Schools and
Rising - As students progress through their education, they are likely to change schools at
least once. Why might a student change schools? What are your student's options, and what is affected by special
education services?
Maintaining and Revising
Services - Change and growth are expected. Learn about what that means for
your student's services. Yearly IEP reviews and other types of changes.
Exiting Services - Details
about exiting from special education services. Graduation, aging out, and summary of performance (SoP).
Related Topics and
Services - An index of topics and services related to special education.
What about services for students not currently attending Seattle Public Schools?
Students Not Attending Seattle Public
Schools - For students entering the district with an IEP, students attending private school or
homeschool, and students who are dually-enrolled.