Special Education

Special education programs serve students from the ages of 3-21 who have academic, intellectual, physical, social, behavioral and/or emotional disabilities. The needs of these students cannot be met within the traditional classroom environment alone. Students are determined to have a disability by the IEP (Individual Education Plan) Team.  An Individual Education Plan is then developed for the student, which includes programs and services designed to meet individual needs.


For questions about Special Education Services contact:

Linda Pierron, Director of Special Education 

920.424.0112

Important Information

Special Education Referral Process

Who is eligible to receive Special Education Services?

Any student living within the geographic boundary of the Oshkosh Area School District is entitled to special education services if the student meets the eligibility requirements and has an educational need for services in one or more of the following areas:

  • Intellectual Disability
  • Emotional Behavioral Disability
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Autism
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Speech or Language Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Significant Developmental Delay

Who can refer a student for Special Education Services?

Federal and state special education laws allow any person to refer a student with exceptional learning needs for evaluation for entrance into a special education program. 

How to make a referral for Special Education Services:

The first step in the referral process is to complete the Referral Form for Special Education and Related Services. Contact the Special Education Office at 920.424.0112 to obtain the necessary form.

What happens after the referral is submitted?

The referral will be reviewed by central office staff and an evaluation team will be assigned. An evaluation will be conducted to assess areas of concern. When all assessments are completed, an IEP (Individual Education Plan) team (which consists of the student’s parents, the student, special education teacher, regular education teacher, related service providers, and LEA (local education agency representative) will meet to discuss the findings. If the student is found to have a disability and is eligible for special education services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is created. The IEP is a legal document that outlines the specifically designed instruction and services for each student with a disability. 
 

Parent Transportation Questionnaire

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

You are being asked to complete this transportation questionnaire because your child is eligible for Special Education Transportation.  OASD policy states that your child is eligible for Special Education Transportation ONLY IF Transportation is marked on your child's IEP or if your child is placed at a Special Education program outside of his/her home school attendance area. 

We need your help in order to make bus transportation arrangements for your child and to have contact information in case of an emergency.  Please complete this form using relevant information for NEXT school year.  

Please complete this form by July 12th in order to arrange busing for the fall.  If there are any changes after that date, you can complete the questionnaire again at the link below.  

Parent Transportation Questionnaire

Adapted Physical Education

Adapted Physical Education

The Oshkosh Area School District is committed to providing Adapted Physical Education services and extracurricular sport opportunities for students with disabilities. Learn more about the resources and opportunities available. 

For more information contact:

Korey Kleinhans, OASD Adapted Physical Education Specialist
korey.kleinhans@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

Adapted Physical Education Resources for Staff

Referring Students for APE services

Observation Request for Adapted PE services (click to complete Google Form)
Formal OASD Physical Education Observation Form (click for attachment)

Instructional Videos:

www.uwlax.edu/center/cdhapa/adapted-physical-education-instructional-videos/

Person-First Language:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/pdf/disabilityposter_photos.pdf

Adapted Physical Education Resources for Parents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

www.wrightslaw.com/info/ape.pa.elig.crit.pdf

  • Learn more about the eligibility/criteria for best supports
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

www.wrightslaw.com/info/pe.index.htm

  • Learn more about the IDEA laws in regards to PE and Adapted PE

Instructional Videos - Physical Education Classroom and At Home:

www.uwlax.edu/center/cdhapa/adapted-physical-education-instructional-videos/

ExerciseBuddy App:

http://www.exercisebuddy.com/about.html

  • Does your son or daughter enjoy working with an Ipad? Help them engage in exercise by using the ExerciseBuddy App. 
  • NOTE: Exercise Connection uses an app that ANYONE can purchase for $29.99/year to engage in exercise using verbal and visual prompting through videos of children with Autism engaging in exercise. 

Extracurricular Sport Opportunities

Special Olympics - Ages 8 - 21 years old

(NOTE: Must complete registration and medical forms in order to participate within any of the sports offered. Registration and Medical Form Document: https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/WI-English-Forms.pdf)

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Special Olympics Wisconsin - Oshkosh Schools

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

The Oshkosh Area School District’s Assistive Technology Team ensures students in Special Education have access to curriculum and learning through the use of appropriate AT tools and services. The team is committed to opening doors for students to be active in their learning and socially connected in their school and community. 

What is Assistive Technology?

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004), an assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. 

Assistive Technology Examples

AT tools can be low or high tech. Examples of low tech are pencil grips, picture communication boards, adapted utensils, and hand-held magnifiers. Examples of high tech include text to speech software, keyboard/mouse alternatives, speech generated devices, and speech recognition and word prediction programs.

For more information:

Contact the Special Education Office at 920.424.0112

SPED Rights for Parents and Children

Special Education Rights for Parents and Children

The following procedural safeguards notice is based on a model developed by the United States Department of Education, with adaptations for use by Wisconsin School districts and other local education agencies. Click the link below to view this notice, which is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction- Special Education Rights for Parents and Children