The Armona Union Elementary School District (AUESD) is dedicated to assisting parents and their students in receiving a Free and Appropriate Public Education. AUESD collaborates with other agencies to provide a wide range of services and programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities who are eligible for Special Education services. Most of these services can be provided for qualified students within the district however, some services and programs are only available at specified schools throughout Kings County. The district is a member of the Kings County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).

Before referring a student for a Special Education assessment, schools within AUESD will offer a variety of interventions to help reach students in the general education setting. Conversations can occur with parents from the classroom teacher, district psychologist, and/or site administrator to gather information about their child and their learning. When different approaches have not resulted in a student making significant progress or a parent may suspect that additional services are in need, a referral for a Student Study Team (SST) is made. The SST tries to determine if a child’s struggles are due to a specific learning disability or perhaps some other cause. The SST allows for further examination of a student’s academic progress, behavioral and social-emotional progress.

Based upon the SST’s recommendation, a special education evaluation may be requested. If necessary, qualified staff will conduct an assessment. Once completed, an Individualized Educational Planning team meeting will be held. Parents are part of the team that will meet to review the assessment information, determine eligibility, services that are needed, and develop appropriate educational goals and objectives.

If it is determined that the student qualifies for special education services, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) plan will be implemented and the team will review the IEP on an annual basis. Parents may also request an assessment to determine eligibility for special education services.