Welcome to the Forest Lake Area Schools' Special Education Department

Special education is specially designed instruction and related services that enable a student with a disability to access and benefit from their program of education. Special education addresses the individual needs of the child that arise from a disability and is provided at no cost to the parents. These services can include specialized personnel, special instructional supplies and materials, modification to curriculum and other special accommodations.

Specially designed instruction means adapting the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction (i.e. what we teach and how we teach it) to address the student's unique needs that arise as a result of their disability, and to ensure access to the general education curriculum.

We are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our special education students and their families.

Our mission is to:

• provide an atmosphere of respect where students will improve weaknesses and capitalize on strengths to become independent learners.
• dedicate ourselves to a collaborative team approach for meeting student needs in the least restrictive environment.
• create an equal partnership between parents, teachers and learners to foster open, honest communication.
• protect student rights and demonstrate program benefit by applying state and federal due process laws.

Click on the links at left to learn more about our programs.

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Kelly Wilson
Director of Special Education
651-982-8129

Sara Heckel
Special Education Coordinator (ECSE, Grades K- 6)
651-982-8314

• Minnesota Department of Education
• Minnesota Statutes and Laws
• Minnesota Rules
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• PACER Center