• Parents and Guardians of students receiving special education services, please complete the VDOE Parents Participation Survey

    The School Year 2023-2024 Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey collection period has begun
    . Each school year the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is required to report to the U.S. Department of Education the "Percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities." Your participation in this survey will help VDOE collect additional information to identify training needs related to the special education processes. The VDOE will use the results of this survey to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth. It is important to note that your responses are recorded anonymously and cannot be personally linked to your child. 
    Please complete the online survey using the links below.
    English Parent Involvement Survey   Spanish Parent Involvement Survey

    Roanoke City Public Schools provides all students with a free and appropriate public education. Special education and related services are available to eligible students with disabilities, ages two through 21. Each student receives special education services designed to meet their individual needs. These programs are discussed and planned by school personnel, parents, and the student. RCPS is committed to equity and inclusivity, and instruction may often be carried out both in general and special education classrooms.

    The Department of Special Education supports students and families as they navigate the steps of the special education process. This includes the referral, evaluation, and identification of students with disabilities, as well as the development of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

    If you have questions, need support, or think your child may have a disability, please contact your child’s school administrator to make a referral. You may also contact the Department of Special Education at (540) 853-2468 for more information.

  • Dr. Ben LEwis
    Dr. Benjamin Lewis
    Executive Director of Special Education
    (540) 853-2468 | blewis@rcps.info

    Special Education is part of the Student Services team, which is led by:
    Haley Poland
    Dr. Hayley Poland
    Assistant Superintendent Student Services
    (540) 853-1393 | hpoland@rcps.info 

    Student Services is part of the Academics team, which reports to:
    Archie Freeman
    Archie Freeman III
    Chief Academic Officer
    (540) 853-6113 | afreeman@rcps.info