Our district itinerant collaborates with teachers to provide additional support when possible, and supports identified students with their ALPs (Advanced Learning Plans) throughout the year. 

Testing is ongoing and common practice for our itinerant to provide universal opportunities for students to exhibit data points that may allow for identification. Ultimately, multiple opportunities for extension activities and student engagement are also encouraged and nurtured by the itinerant in symphony with the faculty, staff, and administration.

A 504 Plan is a formal document developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, designed to provide accommodations and support for students with disabilities. It ensures that these students have equal access to education by outlining specific modifications to the learning environment, teaching methods, or assessments needed to meet their individual needs. Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is specifically for students who require specialized instruction, a 504 Plan focuses on providing necessary accommodations to help students succeed in the general education setting. Examples of accommodations may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or access to assistive technology. If you have questions regarding a 504 Plan, reach out to our School Social Worker Email Dennis Johnson,

Inspire has an enthusiastic Special Education Team dedicated to meeting the needs of our unique learners. Our related service providers, such as the speech-language therapist, occupational therapist, vision specialist, and physical therapist serve students on an itinerant basis. Inspire has a whole child team (WCT) who responds to social/emotional needs of students as well. 

Students receive services according to their individual goals and services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program ( IEP) . 

How does my student receive IEP Services?

The first step would be to speak to your child’s classroom teacher to see what supports are in place for your child. These supports can be academic or social emotional. See HERE (link MTSS) to see how MTSS (Multi-tiered system of supports) is implemented at Inspire. 

If you put your request for a special education evaluation in writing, then the special education team has ten days to respond. If a disability is suspected, then the team will send home consent for an evaluation. If a disability is not suspected, then the team will send home a written explanation explaining why this request was denied.

How long does a special education evaluation take? 

Once the team at Inspire has received your consent for an evaluation, the team has 60 calendar days to complete this evaluation. If your child meets the requirements for one of the 13 disability categories under IDEA then the multidisciplinary IEP team (including parents) will help to develop an individualized education plan.

What is the difference between an IEP and a 504?

Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans can offer formal help for K–12 students who are struggling in school. They’re similar in some ways but very different in others. This chart compares them side by side to help you understand the differences.

My child has an IEP, what happens now?

Your child will have an annual IEP meeting where the team discusses your child’s present levels of performance, annual goals, accommodations and services. You will receive goal progress reports with your child’s report card. Per IDEA law, your child has to go through a triennial reevaluation to determine if they still qualify for special education services. 

My question wasn’t answered here. Who do I contact?

For all Special Education questions, please email Jenna Vara.

My child has an IEP, what happens now?

Your child will have an annual IEP meeting where the team discusses your child’s present levels of performance, annual goals, accommodations and services. You will receive goal progress reports with your child’s report card. Per IDEA law, your child has to go through a triennial reevaluation to determine if they still qualify for special education services. 

My question wasn’t answered here. Who do I contact?

For all Special Education questions, please email Jenna Vara.

Special Education programs and services at Inspire include:

At Inspire Elementary, the many diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds that our students bring to the classroom enrich our school. We believe every student’s home language and culture are assets that, combined with English language skills, help students achieve success in school and life.

The Multilingual Education (MLE) teachers work to create a setting in which all students have valuing cultural and linguistic diversity and are able to use their native languages and cultures as assets.

In alignment with DPS’ vision, our team’s vision is to ensure every Language Learner succeeds by providing the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing citizens in our diverse society. We believe that every single Language Learner can thrive — not by accident, but by design.