FAQ for School Administrators
What qualifies a student to attend ISD?
A student between the ages of 2 and 21 who has educational needs as a result of deafness or hearing level may be referred to ISD.
Upon the request of a local school district or Early Access provider, ISD will assist school districts in determining the educational needs of preschool and school-age children who are confirmed or suspected to be deaf or hard of hearing. A referral for evaluation or placement decision by the IEP team will be preceded by a review of a student’s file by the ISD referral team to determine if the student’s academic, developmental, medical, social/emotional and behavioral needs can be met by the available services and programs at ISD.
View ISD Referral and Enrollment Procedures
Can a student attend ISD if they are not on an IEP?
Students who qualify for Section 504 services may be referred to ISD if their hearing level limits life activities such as living, learning or working.
What’s unique about ISD’s programs and services?
ISD provides a barrier-free, language-rich communication environment supporting spoken English and American Sign Language. Students have access to deaf peers and role models. ISD teachers are state licensed in both deaf education and content areas for pre-K through 12th grade. ISD has a 4PLUS program specifically designed and staffed for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in need of additional transition services. ISD support staff include counselors, speech language pathologists, school psychologists, audiologists, American Sign Language specialists, staff specializing in English Language Learners (ELL), and reading specialists who are fluent in ASL and spoken English.
Is ISD accredited?
Yes, ISD is regionally accredited by Cognia and nationally accredited by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf. ISD meets the same standards as public schools for high school graduation, and students are eligible for an Iowa high school diploma. The instruction program utilizes Iowa Core Standards and the Iowa Expanded Core Curriculum for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The preschool program utilizes the Iowa Early Learning Standards for 3- and 4-year-olds.
What does the ISD curriculum look like?
ISD follows the Iowa Core Standards and the Iowa Core Essential Elements. Additionally, ISD follows graduation requirements as set forth by the Iowa State Board of Education. ISD staff utilize many programs and assessments designed for use with students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What educational opportunities are available to ISD students?
Classes at the local public school, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, are open to ISD students, as well as dual enrollment at the local community college. Students also have the opportunity to access work-based learning on and off campus.
Does ISD have extracurricular activities?
Iowa School for the Deaf offers extracurricular activities to satisfy students’ interests outside of the classroom. These opportunities are the ideal setting to gain real-life experience, develop leadership skills, and make friends. Students compete in local, state, and national competitions. Middle and high school students can participate in volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, cross-country, and track. We compete against public and private schools in the local area and other schools for the deaf in the midwest region.
What does it cost to send a student to ISD?
ISD is part of the Free Public Educational (FAPE) system in Iowa. ISD receives a legislative appropriation for its core educational program and residential services. There is no cost to attend ISD. However; just like in public schools when a student needs individualized supports/services for FAPE, there may be costs incurred for the school district.
Who provides transportation for dormitory students?
Weekend transportation to and from ISD is provided for dormitory students by ISD.
What responsibilities does the resident school district have for students who enroll at ISD?
When a student attends ISD, the resident school district continues to be the agency responsible for FAPE. A designee from the school district is involved in IEP or 504 meetings. We keep in contact and update the district with ongoing communication and school records like grades, attendance, state assessments, and IEP goal progress monitoring.
If we want to refer a student, what happens next?
We recommend students, families, and school district staff visit ISD prior to making a referral. If the school district wants to make a referral, the district should send ISD school records with parent permission. The ISD referral team will review records to determine if the student’s needs can be met with the services and supports available at ISD. After the review is complete, ISD will contact the resident school district to discuss the results of the review.
How is residential placement determined at ISD?
Eligibility for ISD’s instructional services does not mean the child is automatically eligible for residential services. To qualify for residential services, the child has to meet specific criteria that include the following:
- Child lives more than a one-hour commute to ISD, one-way. Certain exceptions may be considered.
- Child is five years or older by September 1 of the current school year.
- Child must not be a danger to self or others and does not engage in illegal activities.
- Child does not have a medical condition that is beyond the capacity of care of the ISD Health Center.
- Child must have basic self-help skills and does not require one-on-one assistance or one-on-one supervision and is able to follow the residential program’s age-appropriate schedule.
Questions About 4PLUS Transition
How much does it cost to send a child to 4PLUS Transition?
There is no cost to the family of 4PLUS Transition students. Likewise, there are few, if any, expenses that will be billed to the referring school district. When the IEP team determines the student needs additional individual services which are not part of program, the IEP may be weighted, the school district will receive additional funds, and will be billed to cover the cost of these additional services. This might include tuition and books for Iowa Western Community College, assistive technology, a job coach and supported employment programs
Can my child participate in graduation exercises with his/her graduation class?
This is dependent on your child’s school. Most schools will allow your child to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class; however, the school will not issue your child’s diploma until your child meets IEP goals, transition activities and other graduation criteria as determined by their IEP team. If attending 4PLUS Transition, the diploma will be issued by the home school district when the student leaves 4PLUS Transition.
Is ISD accredited?
Yes, ISD is regionally accredited by Cognia and nationally accredited by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf. ISD meets the same standards as public schools for high school graduation, and students are eligible for an Iowa high school diploma. The instruction program utilizes Iowa Core Standards and the Iowa Expanded Core Curriculum for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The preschool program utilizes the Iowa Early Learning Standards for 3- and 4-year-olds.
What are the admission guidelines?
High school students who are deaf and hard of hearing may be admitted if they have completed 4 years of high school, met credit requirements as determined by their IEP team, but have not met IEP goals and/or transition needs in the areas of living, learning or working. Students remain eligible for 4PLUS Transition services until they reach age 21 or their IEP team determines graduation criteria relative to IEP goals and transition needs are met.
What happens to my child’s diploma?
Students who participate in 4PLUS services cannot be graduates of the school district. They may have the option of participating in the commencement ceremony if local district policies permit, but the diploma cannot be dated, signed, accepted or included as board-approved graduation. When the student graduates, the graduation date on the diploma must indicate the individual’s completion of all graduation requirements, including services provided ages 18-21
Read more about 4Plus services from the Iowa Department of Education.
Will students still be enrolled in their original school districts?
Students will be enrolled in their original school districts. The school district does not count them in their certified enrollment in the fall or receive general education funding. The school district can receive funding for the student through the special education weighting on the IEP.
Is the 4PLUS Transition Program the only option for my child?
Although all referrals come to us through the local school system, families may initiate this process by contacting their child’s school administrator. All referrals to the 4PLUS Transition program need to be a part of the IEP team planning process.
Can parents of prospective students visit the 4PLUS Transition Program for an admissions tour?
Of course! We welcome you to visit our campus and see the programs we have to offer. Participating in a tour is encouraged for all prospective students and their families prior to the IEP meeting. Please work with your local school district and/or teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing to make campus tour arrangements.
Can I transfer my child to the 4PLUS Transition program?
Although all referrals come to us through the local school system, families may initiate this process by contacting their child’s school administrator. All referrals to the 4PLUS Transition program need to be a part of the IEP team planning process.
My child has not met all requirements to graduate from high school. Can they attend the 4PLUS Transition Program?
No. Students attending the 4PLUS Transition Program have fulfilled the requirements necessary to obtain a high school diploma, but need more support in meeting goals established in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) that pertain to the Expanded Core Curriculum (for example, independent living skills).
Who should be considered for 4PLUS Transition?
Students who are entitled to special education services and have unmet vocational and life skill needs may be considered as appropriate candidates for the 4PLUS Transition Program. Other considerations will be looked at on an individual basis. The IEP team will determine if the 4PLUS is right for your child.
Do students reside on campus all year and on weekends?
No. Some 4PLUS Transition students are day students and return home every evening. Other students live on campus during the week and go home every weekend. The residential program is open during the academic school year. Students reside at home on weekends, during major holidays and when school is not in session. Students who are employed in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metropolitan area may be granted permission to stay in the dorms on the weekend if necessary to sustain employment.
What extracurricular opportunities are available for 4PLUS Transition students?
Students may work with dorm staff to determine opportunities in Council Bluffs and Omaha. Students meet weekly to prepare a meal and monthly to plan a community outing. 4PLUS Transition students are eligible for Special Olympics and extracurricular events sponsored by Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (track, goalball and swimming, etc.) If enrolled at Iowa Western Community College, there are many organizations to join.
Have Any Additional Questions?
