Special Education Services
The Special Education Department is committed to meeting the needs of students who have educational handicaps by embracing the individual differences of our students and striving to help each student achieve academic and social/behavioral success. Special Education Services are available at each school within the Banks School District to serve students who have been identified as eligible for special education services. Students identified as eligible for special education services must meet the following two requirements:
Transition services are a set of coordinated activities to assist students with disabilities and their families in preparing for adulthood by making long-range plans, and providing instruction to assist with post-secondary goals.
Transition services promote successful movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. Examples of transition activities that could be provided when appropriate are:
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) provides educational services for eligible children birth to kindergarten. For children younger than kindergarten, please call NWRESD at 503-614-1446.
Contact the Student Services office at 503-324-5151 if you have any questions or input regarding special education services or programs at the Banks School District.
How are students identified for Special Education Services?
Parents or teachers may make a referral to determine whether a student meets eligibility for services. Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-2004), students may be found eligible under one or more of eleven handicapping conditions. Upon referral, parents and teachers determine an evaluation plan appropriate to the suspected disability. Following that evaluation, parent, teachers, a special education service provider and a district representative meet to determine eligibility and if eligible, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. The Special Education Department is committed to meeting the needs of students who have educational handicaps by embracing the individual differences of our students and striving to help each student achieve academic and social success.
Continuum of Services
Banks School District provides a continuum of services to meet student's IEP goals. Service recommendations may range from specially designed instruction provided through the Resource Center, placement in a self- contained setting, or a restrictive special school. A range of appropriate related services may also be provided to ensure the student is able to access instruction. Related services may include Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Vision/Hearing services, Autism Services, and Orthopedic services.
Staff:
Shelley Mitchell - Director of Student Services
Bobbie Woodruff - Student Services Secretary
Elementary School:
Karin Bueffel - Learning Specialist
Michelle Nelson - Speech-Language Pathologist
Marissa Reichard - Learning Specialist
Middle School:
Cathy Davis - Learning Specialist
Shelley Mitchell - Speech-Language Pathologist
Michelle Nelson - Speech-Language Pathologist
Donna Kopka - Learning Specialist
High School:
Amber Wickstrom - Learning Specialist
Matthew Shepherd - Learning Specialist
Shelley Mitchell - Speech-Language Pathologist
Trish Birr - Transition Specialist
District-wide:
Lisa Dutz - School Psychologist
Laure Minthorne-Brown - Occupational Therapist
Brandi Hanson - Physical Therapist
Melanie Rodriguez - Physical Therapist
Laura Fiasca - Vision Specialist
Ana Morehouse - Autism Specialist
Carissa Martos- Hearing Specialist
Rachelle Barnett - District Nurse
- Federal and state eligibility requirements as having a disability in at least one of 11 handicapping condition categories.
- Need specially designed instruction.
Transition services are a set of coordinated activities to assist students with disabilities and their families in preparing for adulthood by making long-range plans, and providing instruction to assist with post-secondary goals.
Transition services promote successful movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. Examples of transition activities that could be provided when appropriate are:
- Attending career days
- Exploration on Career Information Systems website
- Informational interviews
- Job shadows
- Assistance finding volunteer work
- Resume development
- Exploration of post secondary school options
- Instruction in transportation mobility
- Structured work experiences
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) provides educational services for eligible children birth to kindergarten. For children younger than kindergarten, please call NWRESD at 503-614-1446.
Contact the Student Services office at 503-324-5151 if you have any questions or input regarding special education services or programs at the Banks School District.
How are students identified for Special Education Services?
Parents or teachers may make a referral to determine whether a student meets eligibility for services. Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-2004), students may be found eligible under one or more of eleven handicapping conditions. Upon referral, parents and teachers determine an evaluation plan appropriate to the suspected disability. Following that evaluation, parent, teachers, a special education service provider and a district representative meet to determine eligibility and if eligible, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. The Special Education Department is committed to meeting the needs of students who have educational handicaps by embracing the individual differences of our students and striving to help each student achieve academic and social success.
Continuum of Services
Banks School District provides a continuum of services to meet student's IEP goals. Service recommendations may range from specially designed instruction provided through the Resource Center, placement in a self- contained setting, or a restrictive special school. A range of appropriate related services may also be provided to ensure the student is able to access instruction. Related services may include Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Vision/Hearing services, Autism Services, and Orthopedic services.
Staff:
Shelley Mitchell - Director of Student Services
Bobbie Woodruff - Student Services Secretary
Elementary School:
Karin Bueffel - Learning Specialist
Michelle Nelson - Speech-Language Pathologist
Marissa Reichard - Learning Specialist
Middle School:
Cathy Davis - Learning Specialist
Shelley Mitchell - Speech-Language Pathologist
Michelle Nelson - Speech-Language Pathologist
Donna Kopka - Learning Specialist
High School:
Amber Wickstrom - Learning Specialist
Matthew Shepherd - Learning Specialist
Shelley Mitchell - Speech-Language Pathologist
Trish Birr - Transition Specialist
District-wide:
Lisa Dutz - School Psychologist
Laure Minthorne-Brown - Occupational Therapist
Brandi Hanson - Physical Therapist
Melanie Rodriguez - Physical Therapist
Laura Fiasca - Vision Specialist
Ana Morehouse - Autism Specialist
Carissa Martos- Hearing Specialist
Rachelle Barnett - District Nurse