Philosophical Tenets
The values listed below reflect the beliefs of the staff and districts of Winnebago County Special Education Cooperative and service as the basis upon which special education programs and related services are recommended and provided to children and youth with disabilities.
- Each individual student has inherent value and should, therefore, be treated with dignity and respect.
- Special education services must be provided through a full continuum of service options to promote: a) implementation of local intervention prior to eligibility for special education; b) utilization of regular and special education interventions prior to services in more restrictive environments; and c) meaningful interaction between students with disabilities and their peers.
- Students need to be equipped with the educational, social, and vocational skills necessary to provide the broadest range of opportunities as adults.
- Education of students with special needs is a team responsibility shared by the student, parents, School District and the Cooperative.
- Services should be provided in accordance with the concept of Zero Reject in which no special education student is denied an educational opportunity.
- Programs for students with disabilities should be outcome based.
- Family-focused early intervention programs are critical in minimizing the effect of a disability.
- Students with disabilities must receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment in the home school or as close to the home school as possible.
- All educators should advocate for the rights of students with disabilities as mandated by Federal and State regulations while being educationally, legally, and fiscally accountable to member districts, parents, and the community.
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