Ferris Independent School DistrictEducating Students. Enriching Lives.

INTRODUCTION
The Ferris Independent School District (FISD) works to provide appropriate programs for all students. The district provides facilities, personnel, and supportive services to aid students in learning at the pace and in the manner most appropriate for their capabilities.  Our dedicated educators plan, establish, and implement special education programs which meet the needs of our growing community.  

The Department of Special Populations directly oversees and/or assists with the administration, coordination, and implementation of a variety of school district programs and initiatives for students with disabilities. These FISD programs include:

• Special Education services
• Section 504 services
• Dyslexia services

The Department of Special Populations provides instructional services and support for students throughout Ferris ISD. To effectively lead, support, and coordinate the variety of programs, Special Populations staff work with district staff, administrators, directors, principals, teachers, parents, and students as appropriate.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents are an important resource and support for our students and significantly contribute to their success.  Their participation is a vital component of the total educational process. Parents and the school form a strong team to provide quality services to our exceptional children.

PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS
All state requirements concerning child find, referral, evaluation, and determination of eligibility are applicable.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Students from ages 3 through 21, (birth through 21 if visually or auditorily impaired) residing within the Ferris ISD boundaries, may be eligible for special education services.  Parents, teachers, and other FISD staff identify and refer these students for a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE).  An Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee determines the student’s eligibility and educational need based on state criteria.

AREAS OF ELIGIBILITY

• Auditory Impairment
• Autism
• Deaf-Blindness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Intellectual Disability
• Learning Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Non-Categorical Early Childhood
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Speech/Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment