Special Education
and Intervention Services
It is the mission of the department of Special Education and Intervention Services to ensure the provision of inclusive, learner-centered services and supports to all children with special needs and their families, in every school, so that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and fulfilling independent lives.
Our Commitments to Children and Families
In CMSD, the care and well-being of children with all abilities is our top priority. Our schools and classrooms foster a sense of belonging, and educators are committed to the academic success of every child.
In CMSD, ALL schools are staffed to provide Specially Designed Instruction, core instruction with supports, and related services for eligible students.
In CMSD, there is a seat for every Cleveland child from preschool through high school. CMSD schools in every region of Cleveland offer a variety of specialized placements and services for students with intensive needs.
An IEP provides supports and accommodations so that students can access CMSD's strong and engaging instructional core.
An IEP provides for Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services that will enable the student to make meaningful educational progress.
An IEP addresses the preferences, interests, strengths, and needs of the child, and parents'/caregivers' goals for them.
Please feel free to explore our pages for more information on specific special education topics.
Important notice for Parents and Caregivers of students with disabilities:
The Ohio Department of Education has requested that we share this Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement with you as part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit involving the Ohio Department of Education. Although CMSD is not named in the lawsuit, the goal of the Settlement Agreement is to improve the overall quality of special education and related services given to students with disabilities across the State, and, in particular, in 11 Districts of which CMSD is one, and to improve results for students with disabilities. It includes additional support by ODE so that school districts, particularly the 11 Districts identified, meet the requirements of federal law. Additional information about this lawsuit is available on DRO’s website. If you have any questions about this Notice or the proposed Settlement Agreement, you can contact Disability Rights Ohio at (614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181.
Jessica Wiseman, Executive Director
jessica.wiseman@clevelandmetroschools.org
216.838.0217
Special Education Main Line
216.838.7733