Special Education
Our Mission
The special education department is relentlessly focused on students receiving individualized services and equitable instruction in their least restrictive environment. We are committed to educational evaluations and services that are not predicted by a student’s race.
Our Values
- Equity, Representation, & Anti-Racism
- Physical and Emotional Safety & Wellbeing
- Relationships, Trust & Communication
- Shared Decision-Making & Voice
- Transparency & Accountability
- Evidence-Based Strategies
General Overview
Minneapolis Public Schools offers a wide-range of Special Education programs and services. To receive special education services, a student must first be evaluated and meet state criteria. Once qualified, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for the student. Programs and services are provided to students and their families beginning at birth through age 22 or completion of a secondary education program. Special education is also available for students who live in Minneapolis that attend nonpublic schools.
Students Served
In order to qualify for special education services, a student needs to be evaluated and meet eligibility criteria as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Education. In addition, the student needs to show that their disability impacts them in such a way that they have an educational need for special education services.
Recognized disabilities in Minnesota
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Blind or Visually Impaired
- Deaf and Blind
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Developmental Cognitive Disability
- Developmental Delay (ages birth through 5)
- Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
- Other Health Disabilities
- Physically Impaired
- Severely Multiply Impaired
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Resource Guide
The Special Education Department has collaborated with our Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) to assemble important information for caregivers and other stakeholders regarding the special education process in our district.
For information, please explore our MPS Special Education Resource Guide.
Department Contact Information
Minneapolis, MN 55411
special.education@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-5444
Fax: 612-668-5446
Special Education Records Request
To request special education documents for a Minneapolis Public Schools student, please submit your written request to mpsspecialedrecords@mpls.k12.mn.us or fax the written request to 612-668-5446.
Contact
MPS Special Education Director Organizational Chart
Dr. Deeqa Hussein
Executive Director
deeqaifrah.hussein@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-5404
Dr. Courtney Holmes
Director
courtney.holmes@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-0914
Andrew Meierding
Director
andrew.meierding@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-5495
Hai-Yen Vo
Director
hai-yen.vo@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-5462
Nolan Murphy
Director
Monitoring & Compliance
nolan.murphy@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-0169
Dr. Carissa Tebben
Director
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
carissa.tebben@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-5100