Albuquerque Public Schools
II Special Education
The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) will provide educational services to students with disabilities and gifted students in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. APS will ensure the Individual Educational Program (IEP) of each student receiving special education services is anticipated to enable that child to make progress appropriate for their abilities and circumstances. APS shall support meaningful learning for each student in special education by addressing their unique strengths and needs and supporting their independence and success in the community.
APS shall not discriminate against students with disabilities, and APS endeavors to extend to such students the educational rights and privileges available to their typically-developing peers, as appropriate. To meet this goal, APS works to develop educational programs for students with disabilities who have IEPs that will provide them with a free appropriate public education (FAPE), enabling them to make meaningful progress and allowing them to participate in the general education setting with typically-developing peers, as appropriate for each student.
APS shall identify students who are gifted in a manner free from bias that otherwise may lead to underrepresentation of giftedness in diverse populations. APS shall serve students receiving gifted education by enriching their educational experience in close alignment with their individual strengths and needs and to provide such experiences in inclusive settings that foster an appreciation for intellectual and other types of diversity. To the extent possible, gifted students will be educated alongside typically-developing peers while receiving differentiated instruction tailored to their intellectual ability and unique thinking.
As more specifically detailed in the corresponding Procedural Directive for Special Education, the Superintendent shall develop and implement the Manual of Special Education Administrative Procedures that complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1400, et seq., and the New Mexico statute governing Special Education, NMSA 1978, Sections 22-13-5 and 22-13-6, as well as the federal and state regulations implementing those respective laws.
Administrative Position:
- Chief of Schools
- Associate Superintendent of Special Education
Department Director: Executive Directors of Special Education
References
Legal Cross Ref.:
- 20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq.
- NMSA 1978, Sections 22-13-5 and 22-13-6
- 34 C.F.R. Part 300
- 6.31.2 NMAC
Board Policy Cross Reference:
Procedural Directive Cross Ref.:
NSBA/NEPN Classification: IHBA
Reviewed: June 10, 2008
Approved: June 18, 2008
Reviewed: July 22, 2008
Revised: August 6, 2008
Reviewed: April 12, 2011
Revised: April 20, 2011
Reviewed: June 12, 2013
Revised: June 14, 2013
Reviewed: February 6, 2023
Revised: February 15, 2023