Serving the Challenged Learner

Meeting the needs of students who require additional support.

The General Educational Support Process

Throughout a student's academic experience, they may encounter certain learning challenges. To provide the necessary support to a challenged learner, our district has implemented a student referral process.

Our referral process incorporates the strategies and techniques of the Response to Intervention (RTI) program; and it is operational at all levels of instruction.  The RTI team consists of a student's Teacher(s), Social Worker, Counselor and/or Intervention Specialist, as appropriate. 

If your child is experiencing academic or behavioral difficulty, you will be contacted and encouraged to be a part of this team.  Oftentimes, it is this level of intervention that will solve our concerns and allow the student to move forward with confidence and structure.

Your involvement, cooperation and support is imperative as we seek to establish a partnership that will make a difference for your child. The parent has the right to request an evaluation at anytime.  

Special Education Services

Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Special Education program provides students with special needs additional assistance as mandated under the IDEA '04 Federal Law in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) appropriate for each student enrolled.  Eligibility is based on meeting specific criteria for one or more disabilities and whether or not special education is necessary for the child to benefit from the educational program.

District Guidance for the Determination of Specific Learning Disabilities

Specific Learning Disability Eligibility Considerations

Procedural Safeguards

Child Find

If you suspect your child has a disability that is affecting his or her school performance, please notify your child's teacher, counselor or Jane Shook, Special Education Coordinator at             313-259-1744      , ext. 1506.