Strategic Plan and CIMP
Mission and Belief Statement
MPS District Mission (2007-2012): To ensure that all students learn. We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled and confident citizens capable of succeeding in their work, personal, and family lives into the 21st century.
MPS Special Education Mission: To ensure that all students with disabilities learn. We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled and confident citizens capable of succeeding in their work, personal, and family lives into the future.
We Believe:
Students with disabilities are uniquely talented and are valued members of our inclusive school community.
Parents are essential members of their child's educational team and critical to their educational success.
Educating our special education students with their non-disabled peers to the extent possible promotes academic and social success.
Effective educational programs require appropriate space for learning and equitable allocation of resources.
Collaboration between general and special educators produces an academic environment where all students can reach their potential.
A rigorous, standards-based curriculum founded on evidence-based instruction and evaluation is necessary to reach high levels of student achievement.
Universal design for learning provides a flexible and effective framework in which instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments meet all students’ needs and can be adjusted as needed.
The best decisions about students and programs require valid and reliable data.
Highly qualified staff who have ongoing professional development opportunities, motivate students to succeed.
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Minneapolis Public Schools offers a wide-range of Special Education programs and services. To receive special education services, a student must first be evaluated and meet state criteria. Once qualified, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for the student. Programs and services are provided to students and their families beginning at birth through age 21 or completion of a secondary education program. Special education is also available for students who live in Minneapolis that attend nonpublic schools.
To request a special ed evaluation to determine whether your child has a disability that could be addressed with special education services, put your request in writing to the teacher and school principal. Keep a copy of your written request. The school will then meet with you to discuss your concerns.
The Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Department offers advocacy services to parents who have students with disabilities. The advocate responds to questions, concerns and complaints, and helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities in the special ed process. The advocate works directly and collaboratively with parents, school staff, district departments, and as needed with outside agencies to develop comprehensive and inclusive plans to promote school success for children with disabilities.
Special Education Department 425 5th St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Phone: 612.668.5440 Fax: 612.668.5446
For general questions about special education and for advocacy services call District Advocate Cy Thompson Phone: 612.668.5437 Email: cy@mpls.k12.mn.us