SPECIAL EDUCATION

PURPOSE OF INCLUSION

The purpose of the inclusion at Westside High School is to provide an appropriate education for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.  Recent federal legislation, specifically the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), have led to renewed interest in educating students with special needs in the general education setting.  Efforts from the collaboration of the general education teacher and special education teacher can and should increase the achievement level of students with disabilities in the academic setting.  Under the inclusion plan, specifically the co-teaching model, the general education teacher and special education teacher share responsibility for a diverse group of students in order to combine their expertise to meet all student needs.   

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Special Education Department at Westside High School is to provide students with disabilities with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.  General education classes, co-teaching general education classes, resource classes (Math and English), behavior support classes and life skill classes are options available to the students depending on their disability and individual needs.  Each special education student is assigned to a case manager to monitor and ensure the implementation of that students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP).  Case mangers along with school administration work together to develop and implement strategies that meet the needs of students and parents to assure that students with disabilities are fully included in the schools instructional and extracurricular programs. 

Sarah Anthony, Department Chair
Email: santhony@houstonisd.org
Phone:713-556-5246