Special Education Vision

Our vision is to empower every student with special needs to achieve their fullest potential by fostering maximum independence in both academic learning and everyday life. We envision inclusive, adaptive, and supportive learning environments where students of all abilities are equipped with the tools and confidence to thrive independently, succeed personally, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Special Education Mission

Our mission is to deliver a high-quality, personalized special education experience that meets the unique needs of every learner. Through individualized instruction, evidence-based practices, and strong collaboration with families and support services, we strive to nurture academic growth, social development, and life skills. Our commitment is to ensure that each student with disabilities receives a distinctive, inclusive education that prepares them for lifelong success and independence.

 

Records Request

Records can be requested by the contacts below:

D11 Individualized Education  Email: d11sped@d11.org 719-520-2153                 Fax: 719-520-2159 D11 Records Office
Email: d11records@d11.org 719-520-2079   Contact the Student's Previous School

18-21 Transition Program - STRIVE

Students Transitioning to Reach Independence, Vocation, & Education

 

A limited number of students may require Extended School Year services (ESY) during the Summer. For ESY eligibility, it must be determined that educational benefits accrued during the regular school year, and those benefits will be significantly jeopardized in the absence of ESY. Two types of data should be applied: retrospective data, such as evidence of significant past regression and recoupment; and predictive data relating to future regression and recoupment. ESY eligibility is a team decision. 

ESY services are provided by a Tutor in a 1:1 setting in the students' home or another place such as a Public Library.  The goals to be worked on and the service time are decided by the School Special Education Team.

If you have questions regarding ESY, please contact your Child's Case Manager. 

Assistive Technology Services

Assistive Technology Consult Services support IEP teams in assessing and implementing tools for physical access, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and curriculum accessibility. Services may include student observations, device recommendations, identifying accessibility features, data collection guidance, and documenting student needs in the IEP.

For more information, contact Mary Gowing at 520-2303.

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Behavior Interventionist Support

Behavior Interventionists assist school-based Mental Health Providers in supporting students with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They are available for consultation and referrals for both special education and general education students.

For more information, contact the Individualized Ed. Facilitator for your school area.

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Psychologist Assessment Team

District Assessment Team School Psychologists provide formal and informal assessments in areas such as cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, and executive functioning. They also support IEP compliance and collaborate with staff and families to ensure legal and educational alignment.

For more information, contact Individualized Ed. Facilitator for your school area.

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Audiology Services

District 11 Audiologists provide hearing evaluations for students with suspected hearing loss. They coordinate between schools and clinics, support staff with instructional strategies, train staff on hearing equipment, and help maintain assistive devices to ensure access to learning environments.

To learn more, contact Jennifer Hagood at 520-2152. Audiology Brochure available upon request.

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Instructional Coaching

Instructional Coaches offer individualized support for special education programming. They assist with using data to guide instruction, developing measurable IEP goals, progress monitoring, using AimsWeb Plus, Alpine IEP navigation, eligibility documentation, and selecting effective instructional strategies.

For more information, contact Jennifer Hagood at 520-2152.

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Learning Lab Support

The Language and Learning Support Team provides coaching and consultation for students with significant needs. Support includes communication development, evidence-based teaching strategies, and implementation of tools such as the ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills) and AFLS (Assessment of Functional Living Skills).

For more information, contact Jennifer Hagood at 520-2152.

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)