Instructional Support
K-5 Special Services
Every K-5 student who qualifies for special services in Kearney School District receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that lays out yearly goals, services, and progress-report checkpoints; families are equal partners on the IEP team.
Continuum of Support
- Collaborative in-class support – Special educators work inside general classrooms, adapting lessons and materials so students learn alongside their peers.
- Resource/cross-categorical rooms – Small-group or one-to-one instruction for targeted skill building in reading, math, behavior, or social skills.
- RISE classroom – A structured Bulldog setting for learners who thrive with highly individualized routines and supports.
Related Services
Speech-language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, hearing and vision services, and orientation & mobility instruction are added as needed to help each child meet IEP goals.
Contact Us
If you have questions about eligibility or programming, contact Kearney Elementary’s instructional team. We’re here to ensure every Bulldog can strive together for academic responsibility and success!
KSD K-12 Special Services Info
Gifted And Talented Education
Kearney School District’s program for gifted students is called GATE (Gifted And Talented Education).
The GATE program in the K-5 elementary schools is a program of differentiated instruction for academically gifted students. Students work in small groups with a teacher trained in gifted education for two to five hours per week.
The GATE program, offered in grades 6-12, includes math, language arts, science, and social studies classes built on the learning skills emphasized at the elementary level. Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit (through the University of Missouri at Kansas City and Metropolitan Community Colleges) classes are available at the high school.
Follow the link below to learn more about KSD’s GATE program:
Title I Reading Program
Title I Reading Program
The Title I Reading Program is offered only at Dogwood Elementary for K-5 students. Services include reading intervention for students who are identified through multiple criteria (such as screenings, teacher input, observation, etc.) as needing support services. The Special Reading Program is designed for students who fall below grade-level expectations in the area of reading.
Services include small group instruction of 4-6 students for 30-40 minutes on 3-5 days of the school week. The program is designed to give students a boost and provide intensive, explicit instruction in the area of reading. This does not replace but enhances what the child receives in the classroom.
Parent Participation
Partnering with parents leads to student success. As part of the Title I program, the parents have an integral role in their child's education. Here are a few ways parents can participate in their child's education:
- Provide a family routine that supports learning, such as a set time for studying, bedtime routines, etc.
- Encourage the love of learning, reading, and writing at home.
- Know what community resources exist and utilize them to meet their family and children’s needs.
- Volunteer in their child’s school and stay involved as a parent.
- Participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to their children’s education.
- Stay informed about their child’s education, ask questions related to their child’s academic progress and communicate with the school promptly by reading all notices either received by their child or by mail and responding as needed.
- Attend all Parent/Teacher Conferences.
- Serve on advisory groups as needed.
- Promote good school attendance and discourage absenteeism.
- Encourage children to participate in learning activities when offered.
Visit the KSD Policies portal and click on I-135-P to view our Parent and Family Involvement and Engagement (Title I, Part A) policy. If parents have a concern regarding the Title I reading program, they may contact us.