Student Support
Lowndes County Public Schools provides the following student support services:
RTI (Response to Instruction)
Response to Instruction (RtI) refers to an instructional framework that promotes a well-integrated system connecting general, gifted, supplemental, and special education services in providing high quality, standards-based instruction and intervention that is matched to students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. RtI combines core instruction, assessment, and intervention within a multi-tiered system to increase student achievement and reduce behavior problems.
Special Education
The Lowndes County Board of Education provides Special Education and related services for students ages 3 to 21 years of age, who meet eligibility criteria in one or more of the following exceptionality areas: Autism, Deaf/Blind, Develop,ent Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disabilities, Speech Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. Children from birth to 2 years of age with suspected disabilities are referred to other agencies.
Section 504
Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that a child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accomodations and modification. Under Section 504, fewer procedural safeguards are available to children with disabilities and their parents than under IDEA.
Under Section 504, the disability must adversely affect education. Examples of possilbe section 504 placement are: Medical condition interfering with learing; low vision, hearing loss, or attention deficit disorder.
Student Psychometric and Psychological Testing
The School District shall provide for psychometric and psychological testing of specified students. In all cases, written permission from the student's parents or guardians shall be secured by appropriate school officials prior to psychometric and psychological testing of any student in the School District.
Gifted Program
Gifted students are those who perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
A student may be referred by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.
For each student referred, information is gathered in the following three areas:
1. Aptitude – Assessed through an individual or group test of intelligence or creativity.
2. Characteristics – A behavior rating scale designed to assess gifted behaviors is completed by a classroom teacher.
3. Performance – At least three indicators of performance at a gifted level such as achievement test scores, grades, products, work samples, and/or portfolios.
Homeless Program
Homeless Education services are provided to students who meet the criteria. All homeless students will be offered the opportunity to participate in all programs that are provided to other students. No distinction is made between homeless and non-homeless students. For more information, contact the Director of Special Education at 334-548-2131, extension 1200.
The Alabama Department of Education Support Services Section focuses its attention on assisting school systems and schools with Alcohol and Drug Prevention, Bullying Prevention, Discipline (SIR), ​Health Services and School Nursing, and School Safety. Click on the link below for additional information.
STOP BULLYING NOW