Students in need of services through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are those known or suspected to have a disability which substantially limits a major life activity. Major life activities are functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. A student who qualifies under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may receive supplementary services within regular education or services under special education. If you would like to refer a child for an evaluation to determine eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact the 504 Coordinator at 741-5601.

Please help the Opelika City Schools locate children with disabilities from birth to twenty-one. You may refer a child for an evaluation by contacting the Office for Special Education at 334-741-5601.

According to the state definition, intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Any individual with knowledge concerning a student's abilities may refer a student to be considered for an evaluation to determine if the student qualifies according to state criteria. In addition, all second grade students will be observed as potential referrals for enrichment services using a gifted behavior checklist provided by the State Department of Education. A referral to the Gifted Referral Screening Team (GRST) may be made by contacting the special education coordinator. The GRST will review information related to the student's aptitude, performance, and characteristics to determine if an evaluation for gifted eligibility is warranted.

If you are transferring to another public education agency in the State of Alabama, your child's special education records (IEP, etc.) will be electronically sent to that district through the state-wide student database coordinated by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Once you enroll your child in another district and they place them in their student database, that district will receive a notice that the student's records are available to them through ALSDE.

If you are transferring to an out-of-state school, special education records do not transfer electronically and you will be responsible for sharing any important information with the receiving school. The determination of your child's placement and evaluation of his/her records will be determined based on the policies and procedures of the state in which you will be residing. We will forward the student records to the new school when we receive a request for records from the school district.

The confidentiality of the records will be maintained according to federal regulations, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 34 CFR Part 99 and state regulations, the Alabama Administrative Code 290-8-9(2)(e).

ALSDE - Special Education

ALSDE - Student Assessment (AAA)

US Department of Education (IDEA)

US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)