Special Education
OUSD has a number of programs and staff dedicated to providing support to all students, including Special Day Classes (SDC), Inclusion and Instructional Support Programs (ISP).
Instructional Support Programs (ISP)
Offered at ALL OUSD school sites.
The ISP program is designed for students identified as needing special education services. Support is provided through push-in services, where an ISP specialist assists students within general education classrooms, or through pull-out services, where students receive support during a separate designated time. The appropriate placement for each student is determined by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.
Inclusion Program
Offered at ALL OUSD school sites.
The Inclusion Program supports students with special education needs by integrating them into general education classrooms for the majority, if not all, of the school day. Services are delivered within the general education setting, where specialized instruction and support are provided by both general and special education staff. This collaborative approach ensures that students have access to the general education curriculum while working toward the objectives and goals outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team determines the level and type of support required, tailoring it to each student's assessed needs to foster academic, social, and emotional growth in an inclusive environment.
Special Day Class (SDC)
Offered at Del Rey Elementary School.
Special Day Class (Moderate) provides small group instruction in core academic areas, focusing on study and foundational skills while following general education curriculum standards. Instruction is tailored to meet the objectives and goals outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team determines the recommended amount of time a student will spend in the SDC placement. Placement is based on assessed needs and guided by the goals established through the IEP process.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) help students develop the communication skills necessary to succeed academically and socially. Services focus on diagnosing and treating various speech and language impairments that affect a student's ability to communicate effectively in the school setting.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on enhancing a student's ability to participate in their daily educational "occupations"—everything from handwriting and cutting to organizing materials and managing sensory input in the classroom. School-based OT is specifically designed to support a student’s functional performance within the academic environment.
