Special Education

Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plans 

• Twin Cities German Immersion School will use Google Classroom to deliver specialized instruction from licensed special education teachers and related service providers. Instructional videos, online and electronic assignments, live video and telephone instruction, paraprofessional support, and weekly parent phone calls will support the provision of special education services. General education teachers will support the provision of accommodations and modifications through assistive technology, modified work, and other means as appropriate per student’s individualized accommodations. 

​Parent communication regarding services, direct specialized instruction, related services, and accommodations

1. TCGIS has scheduled IEP amendment conversations with parents during the week of March 23, 2020, and will continue to schedule virtual meetings, when appropriate, to amend IEPs and facilitate annual IEP meetings. IEP meetings will take place via Google Hangout and Zoom. All requirements and practices surrounding IEP meetings will remain the same as they were before the implementation of distance learning, with the exception of virtual participation. This includes the requirement for all required IEP team members to be in attendance, the requirement to send a notice of a team meeting, and the requirement to review all aspects of the IEP. 

• Parents have been surveyed throughout the week of March 23, 2020 regarding their technology and instructional needs. Parents will receive an email from the Assistant Director of Special Education outlining the overall plan for special education in distance learning. Parents will continue to receive regular email communication from the Assistant Director of Special Education, other administrators, and case managers throughout the period of distance learning to communicate updates. Parents will have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the IEP process as IEP meetings continue to be scheduled and held.

The School’s protocol to communicate with administration and staff to prepare and support them in meeting the needs of students eligible for special education, child find activities, evaluations/reevaluations, and IEP implementation.

• The child find process at TCGIS will remain the same. The School Wide Support Team will continue to meet with teachers and students will continue to receive intervention support virtually.
• Communication to all staff regarding the child find process will be sent on April 6  to remind them of the procedures in this unique circumstance.
• Evaluation activities with face-to-face components will be delayed until schools re-open. This includes any direct assessment and student observations. Evaluation activities aside from direct assessment and observation, including interviews, indirect assessment (protocol completion), and report writing will continue.

• General Education and Special Education teachers will interact virtually through individual contact and regularly scheduled grade level meetings.