Friendswood ISD Special Education Department serves approximately 500 students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. Services are determined on an individual basis by an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting in compliance with the federal regulations under the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the Texas State Board of Education, and the Texas Commissioner's Rules

In addition, Friendswood ISD provides appropriate accomodations to general education students who meet the criteria for protection from discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The district provides a full continuum of services to meet the needs of identified students, including related services. Students are served in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. This includes placement options ranging from modifications in the general classroom setting or part-time pull-out programs to classes that are partially or completely self-contained.

Students with disabilities are included in campus and district plans and are involved in the activities that all students enjoy in FISD whenever apppropriate. If you know a child that you suspect has a disability please contact the child's school or call the special education office at 281-482-0687.

For more information, contact Karen Deshotel <kdeshotel@fisdk12.net> at 281-482-1267 for information on Special Education Program.

Students who meet the criteria for special education have been diagnosed with one of the following: learning disability, speech impairment, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, autism, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, or other health impairment.

The following is a brief description of special education services routinely offered at each of the schools. Other services deemed necessary by an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee will be provided by the school. If you suspect that your child has a disability, please call Karen Deshotel, Executive Director for Special Education at 281-482-0687.

Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD):
A program for children as young as 3 years of age presenting a disability in need of early intervention. Half-day classes are held daily at Cline Elementary and Westwood Elementary. Parents refer their child for testing by calling Cline Elementary School at 281-482-1201 or Westwood Elementary at 281-482-3341.  

Content Mastery:
A program in which students receive direct instruction from the regular classroom teacher. When assignments are given, students may leave to get additional assistance from a content mastery teacher. Modifications will be carried out by regular and special education teachers. This instructional arrangement is available on each campus.

Helping Teacher
Special education teachers go in to the regular classroom to assist students and/or teachers with students having special needs.

Speech Therapy:
Provided for students with articulation, voice, language, and/or fluency disorders. Assessment and therapy provided by a licensed speech/language pathologist. Available at all campuses.

Homebound:
Instruction provided at home by a certified teacher for students unable to attend school for health or physical reasons.

Occupational/Physical Therapy:
A related service provided for students diagnosed with deficits in fine and gross motor skills. Services provided by licensed occupational and physical therapists.

Special Education Counseling:
Counseling as a related service is primarily for students diagnosed with an emotional disturbance and unable to function successfully at school. This service is provided by Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP).

FISD participates in a hearing co-op
For students with hearing impairments needing intensive intervention and support. Classes are held in a neighboring school district. FISD is also part of a cooperative arrangement with area districts in providing specialized services for students with visual impairments.

Special Olympics:
Coached by one of the Special Education teachers and sponsored by FISD, Special Olympics is available to all students meeting the organization's criteria. FISD students have participated at the local and state levels.

Special Transportation:
FISD school buses are equipped to transport students in wheelchairs and other students requiring special transportation. Transportation arrangements are handled on each campus.