The Exceptional Education Program at Ooltewah High is designed to insure that all verified handicapped students receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment under the guidelines of Public Law 94-142. The resource teacher provides direct instruction or consultation for all eligible handicapped students within the school. Each handicapped student's educational program is determined annually by an assessment team (A-Team) composed of the student and his/her parents, the resource teacher, and at least one of the student's regular classroom teachers, as well as any other professionals or advocates whose input is vital to the success of the student. Eligible students are M-teamed for either a full credit program with the goal of a regular diploma, or a partial credit or a non-credit program with a goal of a diploma of specialized education.
Referrals for an evaluation of eligibility as handicapped may be made to the resource teacher by any of the students teachers, by the guidance department, or by the student himself. All evaluations are confidential and no information is released to any other school system or other agency without written consent of the parents or the student if the student is of legal age.