Our Programs

The KISD Inclusion program is designed to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Classroom teachers and special education staff provide appropriate services, modify general curriculum and provide instruction accommodations to ensure student success in the general education classroom. The Inclusion Program is provided at all KISD campuses. 

ECSE is designed to provide instruction to students age 3-5 who are in need of special education services. The services maybe provided in a general education pre-kinder, a general education headstart classroom, a self-contained classroom at the Early Childhood center or a general education kinder classroom. The student's goals and objectives in their IEP help determine which setting can best meet their needs.

The BIP program is designed for students who have significant emotional problems that require constant supervision and cueing of the behavior as well as intensive teaching of social skills. BIP students are served in a combination of general education and special education classrooms depending on the level of support required for the student. 

Academic support encompasses educational services designed to enhance students' academic performance. It is important to note that academic support does not replace the general education curriculum; rather, it serves as a supplementary intervention. The primary goal of academic support is to assist students in acquiring skills in specific areas, thereby addressing and closing existing academic gaps.

The Autism Program is designed to offer specialized supports and services tailored to the unique needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It encompasses a continuum of services ranging from an inclusion-based model that equips students with essential tools, strategies, and social skills instruction to succeed in the general education classroom, to self-contained classrooms that are equipped with comprehensive communication and behavioral resources.

Functional academic classes are designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities and educational needs that require a specialized curriculum and instruction by a special educator. The array of classes includes a variety of instructional arrangements for students who demonstrate special behavioral and/or academic needs.

Vocational training is offered for students in the functional academic program. Each lifeskills classroom provides vocational training specifically tailored to the students' age and developmental stages. These initiatives aim to equip students with practical skills while fostering their growth and development for professional employment. Campus vocational programs include:

• Cactus Star at Daniels Elementary
• Bird Wreath Production and Sales at Nimitz Elementary
• Spike Shack at Hal Peterson Middle School
• Tivy Treasures at Tivy High School

Related services are services that are required in order for the student to benefit from instruction. They are added on to the services already provided in special education. Related services include but are not limited to: transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, health services, and psychological services. The related service provider determines the need for the service and then piggybacks on to the IEP goals that require the service in order for the student to benefit from instruction. For example: The occupational therapist assists with a fine motor objective in the IEP by providing exercises for the student to increase fine motor skills.

Speech therapy services can be provided in a general education setting or a pull-out setting. Generally, if the student in able to have his/her IEP goals met in the general education setting then this is where the services would occur. Occasionally, when a student requires a smaller, quieter setting, pull- out services may be necessary. All campuses have a speech therapist or a speech therapist assistant who provides services to students.

KISD has a full time certified teacher of the visually impaired. She provides instruction to meet the visual impairment needs which are the direct result of vision loss such as communication need, social/emotional skills, daily living/independence skills, visual efficiency/optical devices, adaptive devices/technology, and career/technology planning. The visually impaired program is available on all KISD campuses.

A certified teachers and an interpreter provide consultation, direct instruction in language and auditory training, use and care of adaptive equipment and adapted materials, to prepare students to be literate, independent, functioning members of society. The Auditory Impaired program is housed at Starkey Elementary School and all KISD secondary campuses.