Woodside School District

Woodside School District is committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education for eligible preschoolers and school-age students in the Least Restrictive Environment to meet each student’s individual needs. The District special education program is operated consistent with federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations require the District to locate, assess and identify all students within the District from 3 years old through 8th grade who may have disabilities and then provide appropriate placements and/or related services to those who are eligible for special education. Special education is provided to students based upon the individual needs of the student and the recommendations of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. The IEP team develops an IEP, a legal document that describes the services that the WSD will provide for each student who is eligible for special education. Woodside takes a highly collaborative approach with families in order to design effective IEP’s. 

The delivery of special education services in the WSD is described in the San Mateo County Special Education Local Plan Area.

Students who qualify for Special Education Services may receive support from an Education Specialist, or Resource Specialist, to address goals in reading, writing, and/or math. Education Specialists hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education and assist students in remediating their skills in order to succeed in the general education classroom. Support is typically provided in a small group setting in the Learning Center. Education Specialists also “push in” to the general education classroom to support skill development and generalization of skills learned in the Learning Center. Education Specialists provide valuable consultation to all staff regarding student accommodations, learning styles and achievement motivation. 

Learn more about our Education Specialists: Ms. Faulkner and Ms. Nelson currently support K-5 and Ms. Fair supports the 5th-8th grades.