This instructional setting provides special education and related services in the general education classroom in accordance with a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Examples of special education services provided in the general education classroom include, but are not limited to, direct instruction, co-teaching, paraprofessionals support, instructional and/or behavioral accommodations, curriculum modification, and specialized materials/equipment.

Students requiring specific instruction beyond what is available in a general education classroom may receive services in a special education setting. The amount of time a student spends in this setting varies, depending upon their specific needs. Specially designed Instruction,  according to the student IEP, is provided by special education teachers.  These classes are typically characterized by smaller class size and altered pace of instruction.

The Learning in a Functional Environment (LIFE) program is a self-contained educational initiative for students with significant developmental disabilities in grades K-12, focusing on state standards through prerequisite skills. Life Skills offers educational support to students needing specialized help in academics, social skills, self-help, communication, vocation and independent living. The instructional environment is designed to equip students with significant disabilities to engage as independently as possible in essential natural settings. Many of the students can participate in certain activities and classes alongside their non-disabled peers. 

This educational environment provides tailored instruction for children with low incidence disabilities. These students often face considerable developmental delays and may display physical or sensory challenges, along with potential medical fragility. The main focus is to enhance the students' receptive and expressive communication skills, their capacity to engage with their surroundings meaningfully, and to improve their physical abilities. Services are available from preschool through high school.

Community & Career Connection (3C) is a program with a focus on functional and vocational skills. The purpose of the 3C program is to provide adult students with disabilities opportunities and experiences to be integrated into their community through work, volunteer, and/or social connections.

The goal of the program is to gain employability skills, increase community access, and participate in volunteer opportunities. All instruction will take place at the Wheeler Transition Center site and in the community. Young adults will connect to Vocational Rehabilitation and/or other adult service agencies as appropriate.

The Irving ISD Student Transition Education Program (ISTEP) 18-Plus Program. This program is designed for students with disabilities who are currently enrolled in a LIFE Skills setting at one of our traditional campuses. Through district and community-based learning, the 18+ Program aims to build the critical skills needed to promote independence in the areas of independent living, education/training, community, and employment.

 This program is for IEP continuers who have completed state credit requirements for graduation but continue to need special education services for the transition to life after high school. Specific coursework is designed around the students’ needs and IEP goals and objectives. The focus of the program is to establish skills in the following areas:

• Life Management Skills - The focus is choice-making, visual and/or auditory stimulation, and the use of appropriate forms of communication.   Developing interpersonal social, emotional, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for students to make progress in their IEP.

• Communication Skills - Instruction will focus on improving the mode(s) of communication that will facilitate progress in the IEP.

•  Daily Living Skills - The focus is building daily living skills, social interactions, emotional development, and recreation/leisure activities. Coursework includes self-help skills and activities of daily living skills necessary for success in life are addressed.

• Community Access Skills - The focus is building tolerance in fine and gross motor development, environmental awareness, and participation with adult service providers.

Project SEARCH is a one-year high school transition program for students with   disabilities. Participants have met all academic requirements for graduation and spend a school year reporting to the Project SEARCH host business where they learn skills needed to obtain employment.

Project SEARCH combines classroom time with a year-long unpaid internship at a local business. This combination of instruction and immersion in the workplace setting prepares interns to meet employer expectations. 

Project SEARCH students gain experience in a variety of settings within the business, allowing students to gain a range of skills and training opportunities.

The students work with a team that includes family support, Irving  ISD special education support, and rehabilitation services to create an employment goal and support the students during this important transition from school to work. The students selected for this program will attend the job site 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.  Currently, Irving ISD partners with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, MetroCare, and Region 10 in this endeavor.

All LEAs most current version of the Texas Transition and Employment Guide is linked in both English and Spanish.

The Positive Approach to Student Success (PASS) classroom is designed to provide and teach healthy emotional and behavioral skills to students to enable them to succeed in the general education environment and life. This program focuses on academic and behavioral needs by implementing a critical social skills curriculum. Students have the opportunity to interact with their peers to sustain the acquired skills. The PASS classroom is offered from elementary to high school.

Placement of a student in the Irving ISD PASS classroom must be an ARD committee decision. 

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) includes a range of services available for children who are ages 3-5 and who qualify for special education services.

Dyslexia intervention services are offered to all students that have been identified with dyslexia that require specially designed instruction. Dyslexia interventionists are highly qualified and trained individuals. All Irving ISD dyslexia interventionists are trained in MTA (Multisensory Teaching Approach) and provide explicit, systematic instruction. 

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