Unity Schools (Oakland Unity High School and Oakland Unity Middle School) offers special education services to all students, regardless of disability, through a continuum of services designed to meet each student’s individual needs. This program is possible in partnership with the Sonoma County Charter SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area). At Unity, the IEP team determines student needs, services, and placement based on each child’s unique circumstances.  As a part of Unity continuum of services, Unity offers an inclusion and Resource program designed to maximize participation in general education with supports and services appropriate for individual students based on their IEP.  Students with IEPs also receive additional appropriate special education services as outlined in their IEP from qualified special education staff and/or licensed service providers. IEP meetings are held annually and as needed to review progress and incorporate family and parent perspective. Unity complies with all applicable laws and regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and the California Education Code Section 220.

Unity implements school wide Child Find processes, including the Student Study Team (SST), in order to identify students with special needs or learning disabilities. School staff work with families through small team meetings to develop a support plan to assist academically struggling students through focused action plans, and SST teams create and implement strategies and supports to address academic needs, incorporating additional opportunities for academic support during and/or after the school day. When appropriate, Unity conducts psycho-educational testing and/or any other appropriate assessments in all areas of suspected disability, in order to determine if students qualify for special education services under IDEA.

Unity welcomes students who require additional support through the 504 Plan. Students with a 504 Plan are provided with accommodations that allow access to the general education curriculum. Unity holds annual meetings, which include parent/guardian and teachers, to review and revise 504 plans as needed. Unity complies with all applicable laws and regulations under section 504 of the American Rehabilitation Act of 1973.