Innovative Special Education Services :: Supporting Minnesota Charter Schools

History

The Innovative Special Education Services (ISES) began through the collaborative efforts of early charter school leaders and the commissioner and special education division leaders in the MN Department of Education (MDE). In 1997, an advisory board was formed to design a special education project that would provide guidance, direction and support to charters in developing and implementing a total special education system.

From 1997 to 2008, the ISES developed a grant proposal for the evolving special education system needs of charter schools. For each of these years, MDE approved this grant to support the staff and activities.

During the last few years additional staff has been hired and contracted with to handle the increase in the number of charter schools.

As ISES heads into its twelfth year of existence, it looks quite different from its first years of operation. The evolution of the ISES is a testimony to the success of charter schools in Minnesota. It has been a road well worth taking. Parents have more choices. Children with disabilities are being well served and Minnesota is recognized nationally for its charter school special education administrative services model.