Special Education
Overton ISD provides special education services for students with disabilities, ages 3-21, who have a need for specially designed instruction. Identification of children with disabilities begins at birth. Overton ISD is a member of the Rusk County Shared Services Arrangement and is actively involved with “child find” efforts to ensure that children with learning challenges have access to evaluations and services, when appropriate. Parents who have concerns about their child’s development or academic performance may call (903) 834-6145 or (903) 834-6755 for more information.
Services for children who have auditory or visual impairments may begin at birth. Services for students with other disabilities are initiated on their third birthday. A student must meet eligibility criteria in one of the following areas: auditory impairment, autism, emotional disturbance, learning disability, mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, speech/language impairment, traumatic brain injury or visual impairment.
Overton ISD believes in educating students in the least restrictive environment. A full continuum of instructional and related services is available to eligible students, with initial consideration given to provision of services in the general education classroom to the greatest extent possible. Students spend various amounts of time in general education and special education settings, depending upon their specific needs. Planning for a student’s special education program begins on the student’s respective campus.
Parents are vital members of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Committee, which develops an appropriate program of services for each student. Assessment decisions for students in special education programs are made by their Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. The ARD committee is made up of their parent(s) or guardian, teacher, administrator, and other concerned parties. A student in special education may take the TAKS or TAKSI tests. If they are exempted from all state administered tests, they must be assessed using a locally-determined alternate assessment (LDAA).
