Special Education

Welcome to Madison School District 321’s Special Educational Programs. The Madison School District serves more than 500 students with disabilities and special needs in a wide variety of programs.

Students are referred to Special Education after general education interventions have been exhausted. A building level Child Assistance Team (CAT) will try Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), differentiated instruction, and modifications to appropriate curriculum in the student’s general education classroom. If data shows that such interventions are not sufficient, the school's Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will consider whether a referral for special education is appropriate.

If it is determined that a referral considering special education is appropriate for your child, an evaluation team -- consisting of parents, students, teachers, administrators, related service personnel, and other relevant staff -- determines whether or not the child is a person with a disability and whether or not the child meets state and federal eligibility for Special Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For qualifying students an Individual Education Program (IEP) is developed to include accommodations and modifications necessary to ensure the child receives an appropriate education.

Special Education serves students ages 3-21. The IEP Team makes all placements in Special Education. If you feel that your child may qualify for special education services, please notify the teachers or administrators at your child's school.