Special Education

Special education is specially designed instruction, related services and other supplementary aids to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability at no cost to families. The Department provides these services to anyone aged 3 to 21 who demonstrates a need for specially designed instruction, after an eligibility determination.

SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATES


Distance Learning for Students with Disabilities


Distance Learning and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans Memo 7.26.2021

Addressing IEP Goals via Distance Learning

Distance Learning Considerations


Addressing Learning Loss


Addressing the Needs of Students with Disabilities Memo 4.30.2021

Addressing the Needs of Students with Disabilities Flyer

Addressing the Needs of Students with Disabilities Recorded Presentation

Addressing Learning Loss Infographic for Families

Creating Effective Learning Environments for Students with Disabilities (Addressing Learning Loss due to the pandemic through the Hawaii Multi-Tiered System of Supports and high-leverage instructional practices)

Addressing Learning Loss and Provision of COVID-19 Impact Services


​What is Special Education?

It is specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Special education may include but is not limited to academic services, speech-language services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, counseling services, and parent education. Special education services are provided at no cost to parents.

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Individualized Education Program

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement about the educational program for a child with a disability.

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Child Find

Child Find is the Department's campaign to find children who may need special education services but who are not receiving them at this time.

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How do I get help for my child? 

Contact your child’s home school, which is the neighborhood school that the student attends, and request an evaluation.

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​Student Privacy Protection

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives parents certain protections with regard to their children’s education records, such as report cards, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact and family information, and class schedules.

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​Parent Rights in Section 504 (PreK-21)

The Department wants to ensure that all students who need special services are supported, and wants you to know about your rights under Section 504.

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​IDEA Part B State Reporting

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 2004, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) requires public reporting of all data submitted under Section 618. 

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Parent Rights in Special Education (PreK-21)

The Department wants to ensure that all students who need special services are supported, and wants you to know about your rights under Special Education.

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Family Involvement

Dear Parents,

The Department values your involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other school activities/events relating to your child's education and would like to hear about your experience with your school's efforts to partner with you. Your participation in this survey will help the Department to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for our students with disabilities and families.

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Laws and Regulations

 Family/Community Resources 

​School Based Claiming

More information about​ School Based Claiming.

Exceptional Support Branch

The Exceptional Support Branch (ESB) supports districts and complex areas with policies, procedures, guidelines, tools, and professional development, ensuring students with disabilities the access and opportunity to succeed in engaging learning environments like all other students. 




Monitoring and Compliance Branch 

The Monitoring and Compliance Branch (MAC), under the Office of the Deputy Superintendent, monitors all public schools including charter schools to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), HAR Chapter 60 regulations, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).


​Seeking Special Education Teachers​The Department of Education is seeking qualified Special Education teachers for all grades and specialty areas. 

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