Special Education Department

Vision

In alignment with our district’s commitment to individualized learning, the MR1 Special Education Department will celebrate abilities, foster independence, and prepare successful futures in both academic and real-world settings.

Mission

Building on the district’s mission to prepare each student for a successful future, the MR1 Special Education Department is dedicated to helping every student grow through personalized instruction, equitable access, supportive environments, and a whole-child approach. Guided by our students’ strengths, we collaborate, inspire and empower every day.

Goals

Academic Achievement

1. Deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction that is individualized to meet each student’s learning needs.

2. Strengthen collaboration between general and special education staff to align instruction with grade-level standards and maintain high expectations and academic rigor for all students.

3. Ensure consistency in curriculum implementation and instructional expectations across classrooms and buildings.

 

Independence & Life Skills

1. Prepare students for independence by developing skills needed for independent living, post-secondary education, and/or employment.

2. Provide real-world learning experiences through vocational training and community-based instruction.

3. Support social-emotional development by strengthening emotional regulation, resilience, and positive interpersonal skills.

We will  

Collaborate | Inspire | Empower

It is the policy of the Marshfield R-I School District to provide students with disabilities between the ages of three to 21 years with free and appropriate public education (FAPE).  The term "students with disabilities" includes all students defined as "handicapped" and "severely handicapped" in accordance with 162.675(2)(3) RSMo and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Special education classes and services are offered for preschool & school-aged students with the following educational disabilities:

• Blind

• Deaf

• Deaf/Blind

• Educationally Autistic

• Emotionally Disturbed

• Hearing Impaired

• Learning Disabilities

• Intellectually Disabled

• Multiple Disabilities

• Physical or Other Health Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Visually Impaired

• Young Child with Developmental Delay

Beyond classroom instruction, our school provides a range of Related Services. These are developmental, corrective, and supportive services required to help a student benefit from their educational program.

Therapeutic & Instructional Support

• Speech-Language Pathology: Supports students with communication needs, including articulation, fluency, voice, and expressive and receptive language skills.

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on the “job of being a student” by supporting fine motor development, sensory processing, and self-regulation skills needed for school participation.

• Physical Therapy (PT): Supports students with functional mobility and physical access to the school environment to promote safe and meaningful participation in school activities.

Access & Specialized Support

• Assistive Technology (AT): Specialized tools—ranging from high-tech communication devices to simple supports such as graphic organizers—designed to help students access instruction and complete tasks.

• Specialized Transportation: Transportation services provided for students whose disability or program placement requires adapted equipment, accommodations, or specialized routes.

• Orientation and Mobility: Individualized instruction for students with visual impairments to support safe and independent navigation of the school campus.