Office of Special Populations

Office for Diverse Learners

Office Home

Rhode Island has a long and proud history of ensuring that students with exceptionalities receive support and intervention to achieve high expectations and exit public education as productive citizens, life-long learners, and contributing members of the workforce.

The Office of Special Populations is responsible for advancing the education of children who are:

Children and youth with Disabilities who require Special Education
Children and youth who are English Language Learners or Limited English Proficient/Non-English Speaking
Children who participate in Early Childhood Education and/or Preschool Special Education programs
Children and youth who are Learning Beyond Grade Level

The goal of the Office of Special Populations is to ensure that children with diverse learning needs are provided equal access to a public education and that schools develop effective strategies for meeting the needs of these unique learners.

The web page of the Office of Special Populations is organized by the menu to the left. If you do not find what you are looking for please contact us.

Proposed Extended School Year Standards

In accordance with RIGL 42-35-3, the R.I. Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education will accept public comments on proposed standards governing extended school year services. Any person may comment, provide recommendations and/or objections relevant to the proposed standards via e-mail at: Mary.Hagan@ride.ri.gov or in writing to The Office for Diverse Learners at the Rhode Island Department of Education 255 Westminster Street, Providence RI 02903. All comments must be received prior to October 22, 2008.

New Individual Education Program (IEP) Forms and Guidebook

Click this link for copies of the new Rhode Island IEP Form and Guidebook.