Special Education Programming

Houston Public School District provides the full continuum of special education services to all students with disabilities from ages birth through 22.  Special education services address the individual needs of the student based on their disability related needs. Special education services are provided at no cost and can include specialized instruction, related services, supplies, materials, modifications and accommodations. All special education services are determined through a Special Education Evaluation and the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

What do I do if my child is struggling with school?

When a parent/guardian or classroom teacher has a concern about the progress of a student in the classroom, the student will receive intervention(s).  An Intervention is extra support through a researched based intervention in the area the student is struggling.  This can include academics, behavior, social skills, or emotional regulation.  The intervention teacher or classroom teacher will explain the intervention your child will receive and how the intervention should support your child’s growth.  

If the student is not making expected growth with the intervention(s), a special education evaluation evaluation may be recommended.  

What is a Special Education Evaluation?

When a student is referred for a special education evaluation, an evaluation team is developed to determine if the student meets eligibility for special education services under one of Minnesota's disability areas.  The school psychologist holds an evaluation planning meeting to discuss all areas of concern.  All team members, including the parent/guardian, will be very involved during the planning process. As a District, we focus on completing comprehensive evaluations to ensure we have all the information or data necessary to help the student’s educational success.

Who can receive Special Education Services?

A student must meet specific eligibility criteria in Minnesota and show a need for specialized instruction in order to receive special education services.  A student must meet eligibility in one or more of the following areas:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Deaf-Blindness

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing

• Developmental Cognitive Delay -- Mild Moderate

• Developmental Cognitive Delay --Severe-Profound

• Developmental Delay (Birth to Age 7)

• Emotional/Behavioral Disorder

• Other Health Disability

• Physical Impairment

• Severe Multiple Impairments

• Specific Learning Disability

• Speech/Language Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Visual Impairment

Some students may meet eligibility criteria; however, they may not need specialized instruction. In this situation a student may qualify for a 504 plan to support accommodations in the general education classroom.

What is Specialized Instruction?

Specialized instruction is specific instruction based on the student’s disability related needs.  This can be done in a variety of ways including co-teaching, small group instruction, or individualized instruction. This instruction is provided by a licensed special education teacher.  The amount and frequency of the specialized instruction is determined by the IEP team.  

What are Related Services?

Related Services support the student in benefitting from their specialized instruction program.  Related services include:

• Adaptive equipment and/or technology

• Audiology

• Occupational therapy

• Orientation and mobility services

• Physical therapy

• Psychological services

• School social work services

• Special transportation

• Speech/language pathology

If you have specific questions about your child’s needs, please contact:

Amber Kulig

Director of Special Education

amber.kulig@hsd294.us

If enrolled in MNVA, please call 507-896-5323, ext. 1313. If enrolled on-site, please call 507-896-5323, ext. 1121.