Today, December 2nd, marks National Special Education Day, a day that commemorates the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Before IDEA, many students with disabilities were denied access to public schools or received minimal education. IDEA changed that, ushering in an era of educational equity and inclusion. It not only increased graduation rates for students with disabilities but also helped remove the stigma associated with disabilities and stimulated the development of assistive technologies that benefit all learners.
At Harrison Schools, we are committed to fulfilling our mission: building the future - every learner. every day. every way. We understand that fulfilling the promise of IDEA requires a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate, and caring professionals.
We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and recognize our incredible Special Services staff who work tirelessly to support our students and their families.
This devoted team includes:
26 Certified Special Education Teachers
38 Special Services Paraprofessionals
6 Speech Therapists
2 Occupational Therapists
1 Physical Therapist
4 School-Based Mental Health Therapists
Our Special Services department is expertly led by Director Amber Likes, whose commitment extends beyond our district walls. Her active involvement on the state level with organizations like the AASEA Board of Directors, serving as Vice President of CASE-Arkansas, and as a state representative for the Arkansas Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), ensures Harrison Schools remains current with the best practices and latest policies in special education. She is capably assisted by our Assistant Director of Special Education, Brenda Landrum.
This collective effort—from our leadership to every teacher and paraprofessional—is what allows us to effectively ensure that all of our students have the supports they need to thrive, learn, and grow alongside their peers.
Today, please join us in saying THANK YOU to our special services team.