Special Education
Department of Special Education at Whitmore Lake Public Schools
The Department of Special Education at Whitmore Lake Public Schools strives to educate students in the most inclusive environment possible for each child, with ages ranging from birth to 26 years old. We pride ourselves in strong connections with families and carry our small community’s values into the classroom where every child’s unique strengths are honored. In addition to teaching the state curriculum, we help each child develop important life skills and encourage academic growth at their own rate. The Department of Special Education at WLPS also participates in mandated Child Find programs and provides services to non-public schools within our district. Overall, we’re a family who respects differences, encourages growth, and celebrates one another.
Criteria for Determining a Specific Learning Disability
With consideration of federal guidelines and state requirements, specific learning disability eligibility is evaluated using a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. This method is based on the assessment and review of achievement scores as well as performance in a variety of academic areas, with documentation of a pattern of strengths in one or more areas as compared to other areas where the student demonstrates a pattern of significant academic weaknesses. Criteria for determining a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) for students in all buildings and all grades in the district and include the following:
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Grade-Level Standards
The student does not achieve adequately for the student’s age or meet State approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified at 34CFR 300.309(a) (1) (i) when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the student’s age or State approved grade-level standards. -
Evaluations and Reevaluations
The student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both relative to age, State approved grade-level standards or intellectual development, which is determined by the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team to be relevant to the identification of SLD, using appropriate assessments, consistent with the IDEA (Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities) Evaluation Procedures and Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations. -
Attendance
Attendance and exposure to appropriate educational opportunities will continue to be a factor of relevance.
To learn more about the Department of Special Education at WLPS, please contact Melissa Heuker, Director of Student Services, at Melissa.Heuker@wlps.net, or call 734-449-4464 ext. 5009.