Atlanta Public Schools ensures the “life-longachievement of every child through effective and innovative teaching that meetsthe needs of individual learners,” including those with disabilities. Inaccordance with the district’s mission, The Department of Special Educationenvisions a school system where all students, families, schools, and communitymembers share the motivation, knowledge, and skills to work together to ensurethat all children with disabilities are learning, progressing, and meeting highexpectations (IDEA Partnerships, 2000).

APS provides a continuum of placements where appropriateinstruction is available to students with disabilities requiring specialeducation and related services. The continuum must include options forinstruction in general education classes, special classes (consultative,itinerant, resource or self-contained), special schools (day or residential),home, hospitals or institutions services.