Special Education and Intervention Programs
The Department of Education believes that all students are capable of achieving academic growth. To this end, we work with districts and schools across the state to provide various educational opportunities for students who need additional support.
Special Education
The department promotes educational services and programs for children with special education needs. Read more about our commitment to Special Education...
English Learners
Students learning English may receive specialized instruction through classes in each district. Tennessee serves students from more than 35 language groups and 50 foreign countries. Read more about the opportunities available for Tennessee's growing EL population...
Homeless Students
The Tennessee Homeless Education Program enrolls homeless children and youth in schools and provides needed services to ensure their attendance, education and success. Read more about educational programs and opportunities for homeless students...
Migrant Students
The Tennessee Migrant Education Program assists children of seasonally employed migratory agricultural workers since their education has often been disrupted by repeated moves. Read more about educational programs designed to meet the needs of Tennessee's migrant students...
School Counseling
School counseling programs in Tennessee have always played an important role in the total educational process for our children and youth. Read more about Tennessee's wide array of school counseling programs...
Family Resource Centers
Family Resource Centers share a unified mission: to assist families through information and training, and to help families learn to resolve problems through the collaborative efforts of many disciplines within the community (educational, medical, psychological, business and social services). Read more about Family Resource Centers and their commitment to Tennessee families...
Key Terms
IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs, outline the learning objectives for students with disabilities. The objectives are based upon evaluation of the child and tailored to meet specific learning needs.
RTI² is a three-tier framework that promotes recommended practices for an integrated system connecting General and Special Education by the use of high-quality, scientifically research-based instruction and intervention. Read more about RTI² here.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
From US DOE