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Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center

Special Education

Alternate State Assessments

Students with exceptionalities are required to participate in state and district assessments. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team may determine that accommodations and/or modifications are necessary to support student participation. We believe all students should be provided meaningful opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

When considering accommodations or modifications for required assessments, IEP teams must adhere to all applicable district and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) assessment policies and procedures. Each school district or building designates a State Assessment Coordinator who is responsible for overseeing the administration of state and local assessments and ensuring compliance with assessment guidelines.

In Kansas, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may be eligible to participate in the Kansas Alternate Assessment, administered through the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) system. These assessments are designed to measure annual progress toward grade-level standards in a manner that is appropriate for students with significant cognitive impairments. IEP teams are encouraged to review KSDE guidance and available training resources when determining the most appropriate assessment for a student.

For questions regarding state assessments, please contact your district's State Assessment Coordinator or the Kansas State Department of Education Assessment and Accountability Office.

Early Childhood Special Education

 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) defines early childhood as the period from birth through the end of third grade. In educational settings, however, the term is often used more narrowly to describe services provided from birth through kindergarten. Our Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) generally refers to services and supports for preschool-aged children, ages 3–5.

We provide ECSE services to eligible children residing in its 18 member districts. While preschool programming is available in some communities, others begin educational services at the kindergarten level. Regardless of local program structure, our responsibility for special education services begins when a child reaches 2½ years of age.

Families who have concerns regarding their child’s development are encouraged to contact us for a developmental screening. 

To support early identification and intervention, we offer developmental screening opportunities throughout the year. Formal screening clinics are scheduled periodically to accommodate multiple families at one time, and individualized screening appointments are available for families who prefer a more personalized process. Screening services are available year-round, including during the summer months.

Early identification is one of the most important factors in ensuring children receive the support they need to succeed. Families, childcare providers, healthcare professionals, and community members are encouraged to refer any child whose development may be a concern.

 

Secondary Special Education Programs

Students at the secondary level—generally grades 6 through 12—have access to a broader range of academic, extracurricular, and post-secondary opportunities. As students assume greater responsibility for their educational experiences, they often require individualized supports to successfully navigate increasingly complex academic, social, and career-related expectations.

Secondary students may participate in extracurricular activities, explore elective coursework aligned with their interests, and engage in experiences that prepare them for life after high school. These opportunities provide valuable avenues for skill development, self-discovery, and future planning.

As students progress through secondary school, transition planning becomes an increasingly important component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. IEP teams work collaboratively with students and families to identify postsecondary goals and develop services and supports that promote success in education, employment, independent living, and community participation. Special education services at the secondary level are designed to help students build the academic, social, self-advocacy, and functional skills necessary to achieve their goals and successfully transition into adulthood.

We are committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equitable access to educational opportunities and are equipped with the tools, resources, and supports needed to thrive both during their school years and beyond graduation.

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Extended School Year

Students receiving special education services are reviewed annually by their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. As part of this process, the team considers each student's unique educational needs and determines whether services beyond the traditional school year are necessary to ensure continued progress toward IEP goals.

When warranted, the IEP team may recommend Extended School Year (ESY) services. ESY is not based on disability category or family need, but rather on data-driven considerations such as regression, recoupment, emerging skills, and other factors outlined in state and federal special education regulations. The purpose of ESY services is to provide eligible students with continued access to specially designed instruction and related services when an interruption in programming would significantly impact their ability to maintain critical skills.

ESY services are individualized and are determined annually through the IEP process. The type, duration, and location of services will vary based on the student's documented needs.

For additional information regarding ESY services or to discuss your child's eligibility, please contact: Amy Ricker |aricker@nkesc.org| ext. 2120

Gifted Education

In Kansas, gifted education is recognized as a component of special education services for students with exceptionalities. Students who meet state eligibility criteria for gifted education receive specialized services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), similar to students who qualify for special education services due to a disability.

The purpose of gifted education is to provide appropriately challenging educational opportunities that address each student's unique strengths, abilities, and learning needs. Services are individualized and may include specialized instruction, enrichment opportunities, curriculum modifications, or other supports designed to promote continued academic growth and achievement.

Eligibility for gifted education services is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process conducted in accordance with Kansas State Department of Education regulations. Once identified, students receive ongoing support and annual IEP reviews to ensure programming remains aligned with their educational needs.

Please note that gifted education services are available only to school-age students. Under Kansas regulations, preschool-aged children are not eligible for gifted education services.

For more information about gifted education services, please contact: Lori Dietz |ldietz@nkesc.org| or Luanne Lee |llee@nkesc.org|

Transition Services

Transition services are coordinated activities designed to assist students with disabilities as they move from one stage of life to another. Whether transitioning between school levels, such as from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, or preparing for life after graduation, these changes can present unique challenges. Effective transition planning helps students develop the skills, knowledge, and supports necessary to navigate these changes successfully.

We’re committed to providing individualized transition services that promote student independence, self-advocacy, and successful outcomes. Beginning no later than age 14, transition planning becomes an integral component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Students, families, educators, and community partners work collaboratively to identify postsecondary goals and develop a plan to support achievement in areas such as education and training, employment, independent living, and community participation.

To support these efforts, we collaborate with a variety of local and state agencies that provide resources and services to students and families throughout the transition process. Through these partnerships, students are connected with opportunities that help prepare them for successful adult lives.

The resources provided below offer additional information and support for students, families, and educators as they plan for future transitions.

For questions related to transition services, please contact: Maria Benefield |mbenefield@nkesc.org| ext. 2177