Special Education Resources

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Eligibility Criteria for Special Education Services

In consideration of federal guidelines and state requirements, specific learning disability eligibility is evaluated using a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. The pattern of strengths and weaknesses method is based on both assessment and review of achievement scores and 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. [will be tweaked to include all impairments]

Personal Curriculum

The Michigan Legislature has provided an opportunity for students to slightly modify the State of Michigan graduation requirements. This modification is called a Personal Curriculum (PC). A student and his/her parent or guardian may request a Personal Curriculum for one of four reasons:

Students who are interested in earning additional credits in math, science, English language arts, or foreign languages.
Students who demonstrate a need to reduce the Algebra II requirement in the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
Students transferring from out-of-state or non-public schools after completing two years of high school.
Students with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

While a PC can be requested at any time during a student’s high school experience, with the exception of social studies and math, it should be used in limited circumstances after students have had the opportunity to succeed in the Michigan Merit Curriculum. If you are interested in looking further into the possibility of requesting a PC for your student, please contact a school counselor or administrator.

504 Plans

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal law prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities. For a student to qualify for protection under this law, he/she must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of his or her major life activities. Major life activities include (but are not limited to) the following:

caring for oneself, seeing, breathing, eating, concentrating, lifting, performing manual tasks, hearing, learning, sleeping, thinking, bending, walking, speaking, working, reading, communicating, major bodily functions.

The referral process includes:

Referral
Evaluation
Eligibility Determination
Section 504 Plan (if eligible)
Annual review of 504 plan
Re-evaluation (At least every 3 years)

Members of the evaluation team may include: 504 coordinator, staff, personnel, and teachers who know the student and his/her situation, parent(s)/guardian(s), school nurse, other individuals who know the student and the student (if appropriate).

If you feel your child should be referred and evaluated for a Section 504 accommodation plan, please contact the building or district coordinator.

Dexter Community Schools Section 504 Coordinators

Please contact one of the following staff members if you have questions regarding the referral process:

District Coordinator Adrian Edwards

(734) 424-4240 ext. 7036
edwardsa@dexterschools.org

Dexter Early Education Complex

(734) 424-4120

504 Coordinator Jill Covington covingtonj@dexterschools.org

Principal Brooke Stidham stidhamb@dexterschools.org ext. 3001

Assistant Principal Katie Heikkila heikkilak@dexterschools.org ext. 2001

Wylie Elementary

(734) 424-4140

Counselor Mollie Kemp kempm@dexterschools.org ext. 4202

Creekside Intermediate

(734) 424-4160
Counselor Carrie Ragnes ragnesc@dexterschools.org ext. 6323

Assistant Principal Abby Holland hollanda@dexterschools.org ext. 6002

Mill Creek Middle School

(734) 424-4150
Assistant Principal Brett Pedersen pedersenb@dexterschools.org ext. 5002

Dexter High School

(734) 424-4240
Assistant Principal Lauren Thompson thompsonl@dexterschools.org ext. 7002

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AND DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

Special Education Policies

All Dexter Community Schools Board of Education Policies can be found on our Policies page. The following policies apply specifically to special education programs:

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