Department Overview

Monroe County Schools' Exceptional Education Department

Our Exceptional Education Department is here to help students with disabilities by working closely with families, teachers, and others in the community. We follow a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law makes sure students with special needs get the help they need to do well in school, both in learning and in their social, emotional, and behavioral development.

The IDEA says a student has a disability if they have a condition that affects how they learn and they need special education services. This can include things like learning disabilities, autism, hearing or vision problems, trouble with speech or language, emotional challenges, physical disabilities, health issues, brain injuries, and more. In Tennessee, this also includes children ages 3 to 9 with developmental delays and students who are identified as gifted.

Special education services in Monroe County are free to families and are given in the least restrictive environment, which means students learn with their classmates as much as possible. If a student qualifies (ages 3–21), a team that includes teachers, school staff, and family members creates an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan makes sure the student has the support they need to succeed at school.