Coon Rapids High School: Empowering Students Through Comprehensive Special Education Programs

Coon Rapids High School (CRHS), a large community school in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is deeply committed to providing opportunities that will help every student reach their full potential. As part of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the largest in Minnesota, CRHS offers a wide array of resources and accommodations for students of all abilities, including comprehensive special education programs designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.

Understanding Special Education

Special education provides specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Children who receive special education and related services are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes opportunities to participate in the school's general curriculum and to make progress towards meeting annual goals. In Minnesota, schools are required to serve eligible children from birth until the age of 22, or graduation from high school, whichever comes first.

Direct and Indirect Services

Special education services encompass both direct and indirect support. Direct services are provided directly to the student from a professional. Indirect services are provided from the professional to the teacher, parents, or others that work directly with the student.

Least Restrictive Environment

While the goal is to have students taught in their neighborhood school, it is not always appropriate based on the student's individual needs. Students may be placed in a program that can address their specific needs. Academic, functional, and behavioral needs in these programs can vary, and can operate in conjunction with general education, with increased mainstreaming as the goal. Some students demonstrate needs that are more significant than what can be offered at a traditional school/site.

Eligibility and Evaluation

In order to qualify for special education services in Minnesota, a student needs to be evaluated and meet criteria for a specific disability area as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). A student qualifies for special education services based on eligibility criteria defined by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

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Initial Evaluation and Re-evaluation

The initial evaluation of a child is required by IDEA before any special education and related services can be provided to that child. A student receiving special education services must have a reevaluation at least once every three years, as mandated by 34 C.F.R. § 300.303(b)(2). Reevaluations may not occur more than once per year unless both the parent and school agree otherwise, according to 34 C.F.R. § 300.303(b)(1).

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document that describes the educational plan for a student with a disability. An IEP is based on a student’s individualized education needs derived from their Special Education Evaluation.

Anoka-Hennepin School District Programs

The Anoka-Hennepin School District is committed to providing high-quality, individualized education services to students with disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade. In their neighborhood schools, students receive support in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate to their needs. The Anoka-Hennepin School District is now in mandatory Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) status as required by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Children from birth through age five who have special needs may be eligible for service through the Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs. All school districts in the state have been mandated to offer educational service to preschool age children (birth to age five) who demonstrate a significant delay in their development. and adaptive skills may be eligible for services. Eligibility is determined through an evaluation process that determines the range of the child’s skills. Children below the age of three typically receive services in their home or child care setting from a teacher, speech clinician, occupational or physical therapist. An Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed from the evaluation results and input from the child’s family. Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Special Education's mission is to collaborate with students and families to adapt to the diversity of the community where education, relationships and family matter.

Resources for Parents and Guardians

The district provides resources and documents for parents and guardians of students with disabilities to help them navigate the special education system and advocate for their children's needs.

Specialized Programs at Coon Rapids High School

CRHS ensures that students with disabilities have access to a range of specialized programs and supports to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering

Coon Rapids High School has instated a new biomedical sciences program and we can help your child to succeed in such a program. The Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering program is a specialty program within Coon Rapids High School for students who want an integrated and rigorous in-depth focus on science, math, and medical or engineering courses. Through the Project Lead The Way curriculum, students will experience a sequence of courses that are hands-on and use a real-world problem-solving approach. Additionally, students will build transferable skills such as critical and creative thinking, communication, and collaboration.

RTLC (Regional Treatment and Learning Center)

RTLC supports students K-12 in a highly structured, intensive special education placement designed for students whose behavioral, emotional, or academic needs cannot be adequately met in less restrictive settings.

Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin

Anoka-Hennepin is committed to providing special education services to students with disabilities who continue to require specialized instruction in order to address transition needs as determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin is a secondary special education program designed for students with educational disabilities and transition needs who are between the ages of 18 and 22 in post-secondary education and training, employment, and independent living. The program offers a functional and vocational curriculum with a focus on the acquisition of skills to promote increased independence in the community and a successful transition from high school to adult life. 215 W. Students participate in instruction, job training skills, obtaining employment and independent living activities which varies by student needs and schedule. Classes and activities led by school staff are held at Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin, as well as in a variety of community locations.

Supporting Student Success at CRHS

CRHS employs various strategies to support the success of all students, including those with disabilities.

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Academic Support

The schools follow a progressive curriculum in all core subjects that builds students’ knowledge each year, developing students who are able to think critically and perform complex tasks. In addition, the schools in the district clearly focus on the MAP and MCA tests, which we are familiar with. At CRHS, our students are our priority. We can help your child to succeed, even in such a large arena. We will focus on the curriculum in Coon Rapids to help your child with standardized testing, advanced placement courses and even preparation for college.

STEM Education

In today’s day and age, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is growing more and more important to help our children compete on a global level. These subjects are taught in an integrated way so that students see how each subject is interdependent on the other subjects.

Literacy Emphasis

Literacy is another core curricular area that is emphasized. foundation early on.

AVID Program

Our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program provides additional academic support for first-generation college students.

Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) and College in the Schools (CIS)

While they are enrolled at CRHS, many of our students take advantage of the option to earn college credits free of charge through the Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) and College in the Schools (CIS) programs.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) will provide an evidenced based proactive and positive educational environment in which all those who enter feel a sense of belonging and community.

Creating a Positive School Environment

CRHS is committed to creating a positive and inclusive school environment for all students.

Anti-Bullying Initiatives

We all know that bullying has become a topic of concern around the country, but how can we prevent its occurrence? Fifty students from Coon Rapids High School participated in an anti-bullying retreat aimed at making them “empowered bystanders.” These students spent time learning about the nature of bullying and what they can do to prevent it in their own school, along with students from near-by Centennial High School. First, make sure your child understands how it might feel to be picked on. Second, teach your children about the term “empowered bystander,” where someone who witnesses bullying is able to help create a positive outcome by speaking out or offering support. Finally, encourage your children to be open and honest with you so that you are informed if they are being bullied at school.

Extracurricular Activities

CRHS offers a variety of extracurricular activities to enhance student engagement and provide opportunities for personal growth.

National Competitions

The Coon Rapids High School cheerleaders earned a chance to compete in the UCA National Cheerleading Finals, to be held in Orlando, Florida.

School Band

Members of the Coon Rapid High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band recently visited Northwestern University for the opportunity to learn and practice with the experts. There, they attended a clinic given by Daniel Farris, the director of all four bands at Northwestern. school.

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