Goshen Local School District provides a variety of services to students in all of our buildings.

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires students with disabilities ages preschool through school age to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Goshen Local Schools provides a continuum of services to meet the needs of learners with special needs in their least restrictive environment.

If you suspect there is an academic issue, set up a meeting with your child's counselor and teacher.

Prior to an evaluation for special education, students may participate in a Multi Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS), where they are given the opportunity to develop skills and close learning gaps through research based interventions.

This is individualized to meet each students needs based on their data. Students who struggle to respond to these intensive interventions may be referred for an evaluation to determine if the student is eligible for special education services.

Goshen Local Schools follows an evaluation model set forth by the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Exceptional Children. Evaluations are coordinated by the child’s building team which may consist of all or some of the following team members: principal, classroom teacher, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, guidance counselor, intervention specialist, and parent.

In accordance with rule 3301-51-06 of the Ohio Administrative Code, students may be defined as having a disability in one of the following areas:

• Intellectual Disability

• Hearing Impairment

• Deafness

• Speech or language impairment

• Visual Impairment

• Autism

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Other Health Impairment (minor/major)

• Specific Learning Disability

• Deaf-Blindness

• Multiple disabilities

• Emotional Disturbance

• Orthopedic Impairment

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 requires that “to the maximum extent appropriate,” children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. A full continuum of special education service delivery exists in meeting the individual needs of students with disabilities.

Read the ODE guide to Parental Rights.

Specific questions may be directed to Tom Turner, Director of Student Services.

GLSD Special Education Department offers a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. We promote inclusion by providing these services in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning appropriate services are offered within the general education setting whenever possible.

The Goshen Local School District is participating in a statewide effort of locating, evaluating, and identifying all children with disabilities, birth through 21 years of age, who may be in need of special education and related services.

A disability means having one or more conditions defined by federal regulations and state standards that adversely impacts a student’s education. These disabilities include: autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment (including blindness), and developmental delay (preschool ages 3-5).

If you know a child who may have a disability, please contact the Goshen Local Schools Department of Student Services.

On April 9, 2013, the State Board of Education approved Ohio rule 3301-35-15, standards for the implementation of positive behavior intervention supports (PBIS) and the use of restraint and seclusion. The rule was revised and re-approved June 24, 2021. 

Goshen Local Schools' positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) initiatives are designed to provide proactive strategies for addressing student behavior and promoting a positive school climate. Ohio law requires that seclusion or restraint be used only in emergency situations where there is an imminent danger of harm to the student or others. Schools must follow strict guidelines when using these interventions, including documenting and reporting each incident. The law also requires schools to notify parents or guardians of any incidents involving seclusion or restraint. Goshen Local Schools focus on PBIS and limiting the use of seclusion and restraint reflects a commitment to promoting a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

To read more about Ohio's PBIS and seclusion and restraint standards, please visit Rule: Positive Behavior Interventions and Support and Restraint and Seclusion. 

To read more about Goshen Local Schools' Board Policies concerning PBIS and seclusion and restraint, please visit: Positive Behavior Interventions and Support and Restraint and Seclusion