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About Special Education Services

At Hamshire-Fannett ISD, we believe every student deserves an educational experience that recognizes their individual strengths, needs and potential.

Our Special Services Department works in partnership with students, parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals to provide the supports and services students need to access and benefit from their education.

Special Services include:

  • Special Education

  • Educational Diagnostician Services

  • Related Services

  • Evaluation and Assessment

  • Specialized Instructional Support

  • Transition Services

  • Campus-Based Support and Consultation

Our Approach

Hamshire-Fannett ISD uses the term Special Services to reflect the broad range of supports available to students and staff. Our goal is not simply to provide special education services, but to work collaboratively with families and educators to identify individual needs and develop appropriate supports.

Through the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) process, parents, educators and other members of the student's team review evaluation information, academic performance, strengths and areas of need. When a student qualifies for special education services, the ARD committee develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) outlining the student's educational goals, services, accommodations, modifications and supports.

Least Restrictive Environment

Federal and state law require students receiving special education services to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate to their individual needs.

Whenever appropriate, students receive instruction and support alongside their peers in the general education setting. Special Services staff work collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide accommodations, modifications, specialized instruction, consultation and other supports that allow students to participate meaningfully in their educational program.

Services and placement are individualized for each student and are determined by the ARD committee based on the student's unique needs.

Evaluation and Identification

When a parent, teacher, doctor or other individual has concerns about a student's development, learning or educational needs, the school can help determine appropriate next steps.

The evaluation process may include a review of existing information, interventions and classroom performance, along with formal assessments when appropriate. Qualified professionals evaluate the student's strengths and areas of need.

Following an evaluation, the ARD committee reviews the available information and determines whether the student meets eligibility requirements for special education services and, if so, what services and supports are appropriate.

Parents are an essential part of this process and are encouraged to share their concerns, observations and information about their child.

Related Services

When appropriate and determined by the ARD committee, students may receive related services that help them access and benefit from their educational program.

Related services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Speech-language services

  • Occupational therapy

  • Physical therapy

  • Counseling

  • Psychological services

  • Audiological services

  • Assistive technology

  • Orientation and mobility services

  • School health services

  • Transportation

  • Social work services

  • Specialized physical education

  • Other services based on individual student needs

The availability of a specific related service is based on the student's individual educational needs and the recommendations of the ARD committee.

Specialized Instruction and Campus Support

Some students may require specialized instruction in specific academic or developmental areas. Special education teachers and instructional support staff work with students in a variety of settings based on their individual IEPs.

Special Services personnel also collaborate with general education teachers and campus staff by providing consultation, instructional strategies, behavioral support, accommodations and other resources.

Our team may include professionals such as:

  • Educational Diagnosticians

  • Special Education Teachers

  • Licensed Specialists in School Psychology

  • Speech-Language Pathologists

  • Behavior Support Personnel

  • Transition Support Personnel

  • Instructional Support Staff

  • Other specialized service providers

Early Childhood Special Education

Hamshire-Fannett ISD provides support for eligible young children with disabilities beginning at age three.

Early childhood special education services are designed to address developmental needs in areas such as:

  • Communication

  • Cognitive development

  • Motor development

  • Social and emotional development

  • Adaptive/self-help skills

Services are individualized based on the child's needs and may be provided in a variety of educational settings.

Parents who have concerns about their child's development are encouraged to contact Hamshire-Fannett ISD Special Services to discuss available resources and the evaluation process.

Transition Services

As students prepare for life after high school, Special Services works with students and families to develop appropriate transition plans.

Transition planning may address areas such as:

  • Postsecondary education or training

  • Employment

  • Independent living

  • Community participation

  • Career preparation

  • Self-advocacy

Transition planning is designed to help students build the skills, knowledge and supports they need for life beyond high school.

Homebound Instruction

When a student is temporarily unable to attend school because of a medical condition, the district may provide homebound instructional services when eligibility requirements are met.

Homebound services are considered based on appropriate medical documentation and the student's educational needs. When applicable, the ARD committee determines the appropriate instructional arrangement and services.

Supporting Our Campuses

Special Services staff are also available to support teachers, administrators and campus teams.

Our goal is to build collaboration between general education and special education staff so that educators have the tools, resources and strategies needed to support students with disabilities.

We believe the most effective support comes through teamwork — with families, teachers, campus staff, specialists and students working together.

Parents Are Our Partners

Parents and families are an essential part of the educational process.

At Hamshire-Fannett ISD, we value the knowledge and perspective families bring to the table. We encourage parents to communicate openly with their child's teachers and Special Services staff and to participate actively in the ARD process.

Together, families and schools can create meaningful educational opportunities that help each student grow, learn and reach their individual potential.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about Special Services, the evaluation process, special education eligibility, related services or support available to your child, please contact the Hamshire-Fannett ISD Special Services Department.

We are here to support our students and families and to help ensure every Longhorn has the opportunity to succeed.