Campbell Union High School District ensures that all students with exceptional needs are provided a free and appropriate public education and related services in the least restrictive environment. CUHSD coordinates with school districts within the Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) and the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) to provide a continuum of services for students with special needs who are of high school age.

Eligibility for Services

Students become eligible for services through a formalized process of evaluation. Anyone who thinks a student may have a disability may request an evaluation in writing. An evaluation is conducted only after it has been shown that regular or categorical services offered within the regular instructional program have been tried. Requests for assessment will receive a response within 15 days. Usually a Student Success Team meeting is held to determine whether an assessment is necessary. If recommended, assessments will take place within 50 days of the initial request. If an assessment is not recommended, the parent will receive a written explanation of the reason.

To determine eligibility for services after assessment, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is conducted. Students may be found eligible in one of 13 federal special education categories:

• Learning disabilities
• Speech and language impairment
• Deaf/blind
• Visual impairment
• Traumatic brain injury
• Hearing impairment
• Deafness
• Other health impairment
• Autism
• Multiple handicaps
• Orthopedic impairment
• Emotional disturbance
• Mental retardation

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Services

Students may receive services based on their IEP, including:

• Speech and Language—offered at all schools
  Speech and language specialists provide support for articulation, voice, fluency, and language disorders.
  
  
• Resource Specialists—offered at all schools
  Resource Specialists provide educational planning, special instruction, tutorial assistance, or other services to exceptional individuals in special programs or regular classrooms.
  
  
• Special Day Classes—offered at all schools
  Special Day classes provide specialized instruction to meet the specific needs of students who have more intensive needs than can be met in general education with Resource specialist and Designated Instruction Services (DIS) support and require special education classes for the majority of their school day. There are several SDC programs within the district.

Specialized Day programs are also available in the district.

• Therapeutic Special Day Classes—Designed for students who demonstrate severe social-emotional problems which interfere with learning. Students are provided a highly structured therapeutic program that includes academic instructions, individual and group therapy, and behavior management.
  
  
• Alternative School Programs—The district has a continuation school and a community day school which provide special education services. Boynton Continuation High School offers Resource Specialist support. At Camden Community Day School, Resource Specialist support and Special Day Class services are available for identified students.
  
  
• Beacon Satellite Program—The district, in partnership with Beacon Non Public School, operates a therapeutic SDC program to address the needs of students requiring a more restrictive environment to meet their social-emotional needs.

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Life Skills Program

The district provides a full continuum of services for students with intensive needs. District Special Day Class programs are provided at two sites for students who participate in an alternative curriculum which emphasizes community based instruction, life skills training, functional academics and pre-vocational training. The program culminates in the awarding of a certificate of completion upon finishing their high school program. Students who earn their certificates transition to a post senior program. Classes are for students who are severely mentally challenged or developmentally delayed. These classes focus on critical skills to help the individuals develop basic skills for improving their quality of life.

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Related Services

The district offers a comprehensive program of related services to meet the unique needs of special needs students. These services are provided based on an identified need documented in the Individualized Education Plan.

• Adapted Physical Education
• Transportation
• Vision Services
• Behavior Specialist Services – A behavior specialist works within the district to provide direct instruction, staff development, consultative services to address behavior management, social skills training, and study skills support.
• Vocational Training – The district provides vocational training through career classes in SDC and through the Workability 1 program.
• Workability – programs provide comprehensive pre-employment training, employment placement, and follow-up consultations for individuals making the transition to independent living.

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Special Education Diploma

The district provides three options for special needs students for completion of their high school program.

• Diploma – Students may earn a standard high school diploma upon meeting the district graduation requirements of 220 credits and state required passing of Algebra 1 and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
• Educational Achievement Certificate (EAC) – Special needs students who may be challenged by the Algebra 1 and CAHSEE requirements may earn an EAC upon meeting all graduation requirements except Algebra 1 and the CAHSEE.
• Certificate of Completion (COC) – Students participating in the Life Skills program may earn a Certificate of Completion based upon completing their prescribed educational program as determined by their Individual Education Program.

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Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

The Community Advisory Committee is a committee composed of parents of Special Education students, teachers, administrators, and community members who act as an advisory group to the SELPA. The committee meets on a regular basis to review the effectiveness of Special Education programs in the District. It also organizes information meetings, special events, and trainings for educators and families throughout the school year.

We are looking for interested persons to represent CUHSD on this committee. If you have an interest in working with the SELPA or wish further information, please contact Christine DeLapp, Administrator of Special Education Programs, at 408 371 0960 x2013 or cdelapp@cuhsd.org.

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Resources for Parents and Teachers

Santa Clara County Office of Education
California Department of Education
Parents Helping Parents

Christine DeLapp, Administrator of Special Education Services

If you have questions about Special Education programs or would like to request a review for assessment, contact Special Education at (408) 371 0960 x2013 or cdelapp@cuhsd.org.

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