English learners (ELs) are one of the fastest-growing student populations in U.S. schools.  Under federal Title III law, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), students whose primary or home language is other than English and qualify for English learner services are to receive specialized language development instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

The school provides special programs for English language learning students. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the school director.

Under the State Law, our sponsoring district, Scappoose School District, is responsible for providing special education services and support to eligible students in public charter schools such as SIS. Students who receive special education services are eligible to enroll at SIS on the same basis. If a student receiving services is offered a classroom spot at SIS after the enrollment lottery or at a later date, the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team will meet to determine how services will be provided at SIS. In some cases, the District may determine that services should be provided in a different setting and will not approve placement at SIS. In addition, at any time, the IEP team can meet to review, revise, and/or change the placement location on a student’s IEP to serve the student’s needs best. 

Prospective parents should contact their student’s IEP case manager or the special education coordinator at their child’s current school. Contact the Director at SIS and/or the Scappoose SD Director of Special Programs with any questions. Special Education Referrals: The Scappoose SD special education referral team considers all referrals for special education services. Parents, teachers, or staff members may refer students, or students may refer themselves. Parents may request a referral from the SIS Director and/or their classroom teacher. Additional information can be found on the Scappoose School District website under Special Programs. 

Section 504 Defined: Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Students Protected Under Section 504: Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Contact the SIS Counselor for more information. 

Pursuant to ORS 338.115, Sauvie Island School is not legally required to comply with the specific provisions of talented and gifted education. However, Sauvie Island School, will work to meet the individual needs of each student, including those students who have been identified as talented and gifted pursuant to ORS 343.391-343.411 and OAR 581-022-1310. Sauvie Island School’s instructional program is intentionally designed to be compatible with the academic and intellectual ability of all students, including those identified as talented and gifted.