ESE

Exceptional Student Education

Exceptional Student Education provides supports and services for students who are identified as disabled through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004. These students have an Individual Education Plan which is implemented through a variety of service models. The primary focus of Exceptional Student Education is that each student is included and progresses in general education to the greatest extent possible as indicated in their IEP.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined to be a range of pervasive developmental disorders that adversely affects a student's functioning and results in the need for specially designed instruction and related services. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by an uneven developmental profile and a pattern of qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and the presence of restricted repetitive, and/or stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These characteristics may manifest in a variety of combinations and range from mild to severe. Autism Spectrum Disorder may include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Asperger’s Disorder, or other related pervasive developmental disorders. The corresponding definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03023, F.A.C. Source: http://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ese-eligibility/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.stml

A specific learning disability (SLD) is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest in significant difficulties affecting the ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematics. Associated conditions may include, but are not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or developmental aphasia. A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of a visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, or emotional/behavioral disability, limited English proficiency, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors.
This definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03018, F.A.C. Source: http://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ese-eligibility/specific-learning-disabilities-sld/

Exceptional Student Education Delivery Models 

Consultation: The student is placed in a general education classes. The ESE teacher will provide support to the general education teacher for implementation of accommodations as identified in the student’s Individual Education Plan. The general education and ESE teacher meet on a regular scheduled basis to monitor student progress.

Support Facilitation: The student receives support services from the ESE teacher within the general education classroom. These services are provided based on the IEP of each individual student.  

Self-Contained Special Standards/Special Diploma Curriculum: These students receive instruction from an ESE teacher and participate in state standards access point curriculum for the majority of the school day. The students follow a modified curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of ESE students that are assessed through the Florida Alternate Assessment. A student who completes this specified program of course work will receive an access point standard diploma at high school graduation.

For more information, please contact our staffing specialist at [email protected].