Inclusion Policy

Carver Middle School
Inclusion Policy


Purpose:

Carver Middle School understands that are our students come from various backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, and learning styles.  It is the aim of Carver Middle School to facilitate the highest level of teaching and learning.  Students with special educational needs require support services and/or accommodations in order to gain access and participate in the broad and balanced curriculum offered at the school. A wide variety of teaching and learning strategies are implemented throughout the school to accommodate all students.

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) has an open policy to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, ability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law.

Carver Middle School’s admission policy is based on the OCPS principles and the Magnet policy and procedures for IB students that facilitates open enrollment.  

Guiding principles:

Carver Middle School understands that students coming from diverse backgrounds have a wide range of academic, physical, social and other needs. There are students who have specific educational needs including: 

  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Language and communication disorders
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Orthopedically impaired
  • Emotional and behavioral disorders
  • Sensory impairments 
  • Intellectual disability 
  • Medical conditions (other health impaired)
  • Mental health conditions
  • Gifted and talented students 

It is understood that: 

  • Special education services are individualized to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
  • Special education may include small group instruction, consultation between teachers and service providers, curriculum or teaching accommodations, curriculum modifications for students with significant cognitive disabilities, and specialized services such as physical, occupational, language therapy and speech therapy.
  • These services are provided in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is individualized to the unique needs of each student. 
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) grants increased parental participation and protection for students.
  • 504 Plans* are for students with medical issues that require certain accommodations and are reviewed annually.
  • Gifted students are provided with academic and emotional support through the Florida Gifted Frameworks.
  • Progress on IEP goals is reported every 9 weeks via progress reports. 

The Staffing Specialist and Guidance Counselors are responsible for inclusion at Carver Middle School.  It is the role of the Staffing Specialist to support teachers and students in this process.

The Inclusion Policy is reviewed every 2 years by the steering committee and administration team. This policy was written and implemented in December 2018.

1 Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met.