FAQs - Special Education
The OSPI Office of Special Education ensures students with disabilities receive Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). About 14 percent of students overall receive special education services in the state of Washington.
The following OSPI links are dedicated to providing students and families with information about special education, to ensuring that students and families know about their rights, and answering questions they may have about how the process works.
The following OSPI links are dedicated to providing students and families with information about special education, to ensuring that students and families know about their rights, and answering questions they may have about how the process works.
- What Is Special Education?
- How Special Education Works
- Laws and Procedures
- Parent and Student Rights (Procedural Safeguards)
Topics:
- Making a Referral for Special Education
- Eligibility for Special Education
- Prior Written Notice
- Evaluations
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Placement Decisions and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Transition (Ages 16–21)
- Behavior and Discipline
- Disagreements and Disputes related to Special Education