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Special Education

WELCOME TO THE MLK SPECIAL EDUCATION WEB PAGE

We are committed to the identification and service of special education students in the least restrictive environment possible. As a member of the North Coast Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE), we offer a full continuum of special education services that appropriately meet student needs. Our dedicated special education staff provides services for students with disabilities ranging from mild learning disorders to severe physical and mental handicaps. Credentialed special education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, adapted physical education specialists, providers for the visually impaired and school psychologists make up our exceptional special education professionals.

For more information on Special Education Activities and Parent workshops, please visit the North County Consortium for Special Education website.

WHAT IS SPECIAL EDUCATION?

Special Education is specialized instruction provided for children from birth to age 22 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by the state and federal government. A student may qualify for special education services as an individual with special needs in one of thirteen areas identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are:

  • Autism
  • Deaf
  • Deaf-Blind
  • Emotionally Disturbed
  • Hard of Hearing
  • Intellectually Disabled 
  • Multiple Handicapped
  • Orthopedically Impaired
  • Other Health Impaired
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Speech-Language Impaired
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Visually Impaired
  • TASK

    Support Services for Families of Students with Special Needs

Information in English

Servicios de Apoyo para Familias de Estudiantes con Necesidades Especiales

Información en español

OUSD Special Education Department

SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFF

Department Chair:  
Ryan Leighton

Grade 6:
Lindsey Howe 

Shaina Lilly

Grade 7:
Robert Pokletar 

Cynthia Rey

Grade 8:
Cindy Gisbert 

Mary Jo McPherson

MS/SH Teachers:

May Bramble
Brent Ruth

Psychologists:

Carol Finstuen

Nicole Sherman

Speech Therapists:
Celeste Bosio