Special Education

The Special Education Team at Desert Springs Preparatory serves students identified with exceptional needs. These students’ needs may range from mild to moderate in severity.

Special Education at Desert Springs is a service that is designed to meet students' needs in their least restrictive environment (LRE). All students identified for special education services are expected to meet the same standards as their typical peers with the allowable accommodations, modifications, and supports designated.

Typically, services are provided in content areas, such as reading, written language and mathematics. Students may be eligible to receive related services such as (speech-language, occupational therapy, and physical therapy).

Individualized Education and Learning Resources

Depending on individual student needs and if indicated on the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), some students may be able to access the Learning Resource Classroom (LRC), outside of the general education classroom. Special Education services and supports can also be delivered in the general education setting. The IEP is a document that can be collaborated on by the IEP team (Parent/Student/Intervention Specialist/ School Psychologist/ Related Service Providers/School Administrator/Outside Professionals), which highlights the strengths and needs of a student as well as providing the area/s of concern, type of services, amount of time for services and goals/objectives to be implemented.

We at Desert Springs believe all children can learn and be successful. We also recognize the individual learning styles of students and respect and support their differences. 

Meet Mrs. Pappas

Mrs. Sara (Terrian) Pappas is one of our Resource Special Education teachers. Mrs. Pappas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marian University in Wisconsin with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary / Middle General Education and Special Education, as well as a minor in Spanish.

From preschool through high school, PVSchools Special Education services are available in primary content areas like reading, written language, and mathematics.

Based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), students may be eligible to receive related services such as speech-language, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. All students identified for special education services are expected to meet the same standards as their peers with allowable accommodations, modifications, and supports.