Inclusion Policy
Legal requirements for St. Paul Public Schools students
Saint Paul Public Schools provides special education and related services according to the federal mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), IDEA ensures eligible students receive a free and appropriate public education, and the State of Minnesota's rules and statutes.
Saint Paul Public Schools is committed to providing a free and appropriate public education to each student with a disability within the school district’s jurisdiction. It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who have disabilities within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate education services.
SPPS Special Education Department commits to the elimination in the disparity of outcomes for all students with disabilities, done through a data focused approach to enhance instructional practices that increase student engagement and achievement. A specific focus is on African American male scholars, American Indian scholars, and scholars dually qualified for Special Education and English Learner services where the greatest outcome inequities exist.
Complying with legal requirements
A student is typically referred for a Special Education evaluation by a parent or guardian, the classroom teacher, any member of the school district (public or private), a judicial officer, or a student (18 years or older, or an emancipated minor). If the evaluation determines the student meets state criteria for a disability, they are eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a legally binding contract detailing special education and related services to be provided for the student.
The IEP Team is made up of general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, speech language pathologists, social workers, nurses, related service providers, families, and students. The IEP Team meets annually to discuss the student’s progress toward meeting their academic, emotional, social, and communication goals in school.
Harding High School provides Federal Setting I, II, and III Special Education Services to students identified under a variety of disability areas, including but not limited to, EBD, ASD, DCD, and DHH. IEP teams meet annually to determine the least restrictive environment for each student receiving special education services. Special Education students who take advanced courses receive support from their case managers and/or Special Education resource teachers.
Inclusion and International Baccalaureate
The mission of the St. Paul Public Schools Specialized Services Program is: “We are committed to reducing the disparity of our most marginalized students, primarily our African American males, by bringing inequity to the forefront. We will be achieving excellence through equity for all students with disabilities by providing access to culturally responsive curriculum, environment and instructional practices.”
Students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs) in 9th and 10th grade participate in our schoolwide IB MYP through general education classes, special education classes, or co-taught (general education teacher and special education teacher in the classroom providing instruction and support) classes. Additionally, Special Education paraprofessionals are assigned to students who are mainstreamed into classes where there is no co-teacher. The Special Education department strives to balance the numbers of their students in all classes. Teachers in St. Paul are trained in best practices, including differentiating instruction, valuing prior knowledge, scaffolding learning and working to prevent and overcome learning challenges.
Students receiving special education can choose to pursue the full IB Diploma or Career Certificate, or choose individual courses that meet their interest areas. The school is legally bound to meet the IEP or 504 Plan and will work within the guidelines set out in IB’s “Access and Inclusion Policy” to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided to students in their classes and on exams.
Review and Revision of Policy
Harding’s policy is monitored by all staff, with the IB coordinators and Harding Leadership Team being responsible for leading review and revision. The policy will be revised with changes to IB or to St. Paul Public Schools’ special education requirements.
The policy is available to all students, families, and community members on the Harding High School website.
Created by DPC, Erik Brandt
Reviewed by Wendy Williams, lead Special Education teacher 2016
Reviewed May 2020 by Erik Brandt, DPC; Be Vang, Principal; Patrick Coyne, Assistant Principal liaison to DP and Special Education; Jeffrey Rissman, Assistant Principal
Revised January 2025 by Tara Dobbelaere, MYP coordinator, Daniel Weyandt, DP/CP coordinator, Harding Leadership Team, Harding Special Education Team