427.0 Workload Limits for Certain Special Education Teachers

WORKLOAD LIMITS FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

I. PURPOSE

This policy establishes general parameters for determining the workload limits of special education teachers who provide services to children with disabilities receiving direct special education services 60 percent or less of the instructional day.

II. DEFINITIONS

1. Special Education Staff; Special Education Teacher
   
   Special education teacher means a teacher employed by the school district who is licensed under the rules of the Minnesota Board of Teaching to instruct children with specific disabling conditions.
    
2. Direct Services
   
   “Direct services” means special education services provided by a special education teacher when the services are related to instruction, including cooperative teaching.
    
3. Indirect Services
   
   “Indirect services” means special education services provided by a special education teacher which include ongoing progress reviews; cooperative planning; consultation; demonstration teaching; modification and adaptation of the environment, curriculum, materials, or equipment; and direct contact with children with disabilities to monitor and observe.
    
4. Workload
   
   “Workload” means a special education teacher’s total number of minutes required for all due process responsibilities, including direct and indirect services, evaluation and reevaluation time, management of individualized education programs (IEPs), travel time, parental contact, and other services required in the IEPs.
    

III. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

1. Workload limits for special education teachers are determined by the appropriate special education administrator, in consultation with the building administrators and the superintendent.
2. In determining workload limits for special education teachers, the district will take into consideration the following factors: student contact minutes, evaluation and reevaluation time, indirect services, management of IEPs, travel time, and other services required in the IEPs of eligible students.