Special Education

Special education in Kansas schools, provided by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), supports students with disabilities so they can learn and succeed alongside their peers. Services are provided based on each student’s individual needs and are guided by federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). KSDE works with local schools and families to ensure students receive appropriate services, supports, and educational opportunities in the least restrictive environment.

Gifted Education Services

Gifted means performing or demonstrating the potential for performing at significantly higher levels of accomplishment in one or more academic fields due to intellectual ability, when compared to others of similar age, experience and environment. To be identified as gifted the student must be at least 5 years old (the age at which educational services to children without disabilities are provided) and not have graduated from high school.

Secondary Transition Resources

Kansas requires Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students age 14 and older begin the process of planning for the student to transition from high school to post-school education, work and adult living. By age 16 the IEP is to include a coordinated set of services designed to move students with disabilities successfully from school to post-school settings.

Sensory Losses

Sensory loss (or sensory impairment) is a common term used to describe deafness and hearing impairment, blindness and visual impairment, and deaf-blindness. Information on this page is for teachers, interpreters, students, and parents.

Special Education Resources for Families and Educators

Special Education Resources for families as well as educators and school administration.

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Topeka, Kansas 66612-1212
(785) 296-3201

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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For more information, visit our grievance procedure page.

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by (785) 296-3201.