Student Services
The Office of Student Services is responsible for the oversight of various pupil services programming at all grade levels at Coldwater Exempted Village Schools (CEVS). The Student Services staff serve as active members of the administrative team, working very closely with staff at all levels to ensure a clear philosophy and shared vision of learning for our students.
Service Delivery Model Mission Statement
Our district treats all students as individuals when determining the least restrictive environment in which to learn. We look to the general education classroom as the place to begin; however, we realize this may not be the most appropriate place for all children to maximize their learning potential. This model will enable our district to provide the flexibility it needs to determine the least restrictive, yet most productive, environment. This determination will be made by the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT), which will utilize a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach to determine the needs of the individual. The least restrictive environment could be the regular classroom or a continuum of alternative placements that would enable the student to receive a full range of services.
Each building IAT will identify students who need added support/enrichment. With parent permission, these students will receive assistance from teachers/support staff using data from the RTI process.
The RTI process is a framework designed to bring together general, special, and gifted education with the goal of providing a comprehensive, unified system of education to meet the needs of and improve results for all students. This process will include Section 504 and English Learners (EL).
Our district will follow the guidelines set up by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any revisions to these acts will be adhered to by the district.
The following highlights some of the more prominent programs, responsibilities, and activities of the Office of Student Services:
Special Education - These activities are guided by federal and state requirements for students ages 3 to 21 with educational disabilities. The federal requirements are referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The state requirements are referred to as the Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities (Ohio Operating Standards).
District Test Coordination/Assessment - The primary focus is the administration of Ohio’s State Tests. Resultant data is analyzed to aid the schools’ administration and faculty in understanding assessment data in order to generate effective responses to school and student needs.
Section 504 Coordination - This is a civil rights statute which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet a student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students.
English Learner (EL) Programming - English Learners are students whose primary or home language is other than English, who need special language assistance in order to effectively participate in school instructional programs. CEVS EL District Plan follows state guidelines in providing services to limited English proficient (LEP) students. ELs have equal access to a quality education that enables them to progress academically while learning English.
Resident Educator (RE) Program Coordination - This is an Ohio teacher residency program for entry-level teachers. It is currently a four-year program, which serves as the first steps in a journey of continued professional learning. The program leads educators to more effective practices and excellence in teaching.
Homeless Liaison - CEVS must ensure that all homeless children and youth, including preschoolers, have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education, as non-homeless children and youth. Programming is guided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Program.
Foster Care Contact - Children in foster care face many potential barriers to their education. CEVS makes every effort to offer them stability through the guidance of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Families of Students with Disabilities
The Office of Student Services assists in a variety of other district services, such as the oversight of Federal Programs (e.g. Title 1), the review of home school applications for approval by the Superintendent, and the sustainment of assessment programs, just to name a few. You may click on the appropriate links for further information or call the Office of Student Services at 419-678-4821.