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Special Populations

About the Department

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.

There may be times when a parent disagrees with the actions taken by the school related to their child’s special education and related services. TEA strongly encourages parents/guardians to work with school personnel to resolve differences as they occur. The FISD Special Education Complaint Form may be used to voice concerns to appropriate district personnel. Complainant will be contacted within 3-5 business days of form submission.

FISD Special Education Complaint form

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