Special Programs

Volunteer State Virtual Academy offers robust special education services to support students and meet their needs, empowering them to thrive in school and beyond. With high-quality, personalized learning and the help of teachers and support staff, students with special needs can achieve their academic goals, find their confidence, and pave a path to success.
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VSVA Special Programs

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) complies with all federal and state education laws. The following information and resources are available for parents to know their legal rights and VSVA school policies and procedures.

Contents

Identification of English Learners (EL) Manager

Paige Pirmann

ELL Coordinator
[email protected]

Tennessee school districts are required to identify and serve English Learners (ELs) through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, in accordance with federal law and Tennessee State Board of Education Rules and Policies (0520-01-19). These programs are designed to ensure ELs develop English language proficiency and access grade-level academic standards.

For more information, visit the TN Department of Education English Learner Services page.

Identification of Section 504 Coordinator

Kysha Baker

504 Coordinator
[email protected]

Students may be eligible for certain accommodations or services if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities and otherwise qualify under applicable federal or state laws. Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) ensures that qualified students with disabilities have equal access to the educational program and school-related activities to the maximum extent appropriate, based on individual need.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable laws, VSVA provides eligible students with the necessary educational supports, accommodations, and services required to access and benefit from their learning program. These services are provided at no cost to the student or family and are designed to ensure equal opportunity to participate in academic and extracurricular activities, consistent with the student’s abilities and educational needs.

Click here for more information related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Identification of Dyslexia Coordinator

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

Tennessee state law and policy require that all public school districts, including virtual schools like Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), identify and support students with characteristics of dyslexia in accordance with both state and federal guidelines.

Tennessee’s Dyslexia Law, established under T.C.A. § 49-1-229, mandates that school districts screen all students for characteristics of dyslexia in the early grades and provide appropriate RTI²-based interventions that are explicit, systematic, and evidence-based. The State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-03-.10 further outlines specific responsibilities for districts, including professional development, screening requirements, and instructional supports.

In addition to state-specific laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R. Part 104) ensures that students with dyslexia who meet eligibility criteria have access to supplementary aids, services, and accommodations that enable them to access and benefit from their educational program. These supports are provided at no cost to families and must be tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) is committed to ensuring that students with dyslexia and related disorders are identified early, receive appropriate interventions, and are provided with equal access to educational opportunities in alignment with TDOE expectations, state dyslexia guidelines, and Section 504 protections.

For more information on how Tennessee supports students with dyslexia, please visit the TNDOE’s dyslexia resource page: 🔗 https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/special-education/dyslexia.html

For more information on Section 504: 🔗 https://www.tn.gov/education/legal-services/civil-rights/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation.html

Identification of Homeless Coordinator

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) is committed to ensuring that all students, including those experiencing homelessness, have equal access to education, support services, and opportunities. We follow the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Tennessee Department of Education (TNDOE) guidance to provide stability and success for students in transition.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002 as Title X, Part C, of the No Child Left Behind Act, is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth in homeless situations. Its key themes include school access and stability, support for educational success, and child-centered decision-making.

Below are helpful resources for families:

Parent’s Rights under McKenny-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

If your family lives in any of the following situations, your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under federal McKinney-Vento Act:

  • In a shelter
  • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
  • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (The school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference.
  • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.

Identification of Foster Care Coordinator

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

For further information on supporting students who may be impacted by foster care, click the links below:

Identification of Migrant Coordinator

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) is committed to ensuring that all students—including those identified as migrant—have full access to academic opportunities and support services. Migrant students are children who have moved within the past 36 months across school district lines with a parent or guardian for the purpose of temporary or seasonal agricultural or fishing work.

In coordination with the Tennessee Migrant Education Program (MEP), VSVA works to reduce educational disruption and provide supplemental services to support academic achievement and school engagement. Eligible students may receive additional support such as tutoring, translation assistance, access to health resources, and help transitioning between schools.

For more information about services for migrant students in Tennessee, visit:
https://www.tn.gov/education/english-learners-and-migrant-education/migrant-education.html

If you believe your child may qualify for migrant services or need additional support, please contact our Special Programs Department for assistance.

Identification of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Compliance Act Coordinator/Academic Administrator for Special Programs

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities, similar to those provided on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, and religion. The ADA guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the ADA, and is committed to ensuring that students, families, and staff with disabilities have equal access to the school’s programs, services, and activities.

For further information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Education, visit:
https://www.ada.gov/topics/education/

Individuals seeking to discuss accommodations the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may contact Amanda Winn, Academic Administrator for Special Programs at [email protected].

Request for Parent/Guardian Interpreter Services or Disability Accommodations

Professional interpreter services may be requested at any time for parents/guardians of students by contacting Paige Pirmann, ELL Coordinator, at [email protected].

Additionally, if any parent/guardian has a disability or other limitation that would impact their ability to participate fully in their child’s educational planning process, Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) would be happy to discuss accommodations that may be available in order to maximize the parent/guardian’s participation. Individuals seeking to discuss accommodations for this reason may contact Amanda Winn, Academic Administrator for Special Programs at [email protected].

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Procedural Safeguards

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and U.S. Department of Education regulations, all educational agencies must provide parents of students with disabilities with a notice containing a full explanation of the Procedural Safeguards available under IDEA. These safeguards are designed to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their families, and to ensure a collaborative process in the development of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

At Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), we are committed to ensuring families understand their rights and participate meaningfully in special education decisions.

For a copy of Tennessee’s current Procedural Safeguards documentation, click here:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/special-education/parent_resources/Procedural_Safeguards_English.pdf

In Tennessee, a child’s eligibility for special education services—and all major decisions regarding their educational program—are made by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, as outlined in IDEA. As a parent, you are a required and equal member of your child’s IEP team.

For more information, please review the TNDOE’s Parent Guide to Special Education:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/special-education/parent_resources/SpEd_Parent_Guide.pdf

Annual Public Notice of Special Services & Programs

In accordance with federal and state regulations, Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) provides annual public notice to families regarding our Child Find responsibilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, VSVA is responsible for locating, identifying, and evaluating all students enrolled in our school who may have disabilities—regardless of the severity of the disability—and who may be in need of special education or related services.

This includes students who are suspected of having a disability even though they may be advancing from grade to grade. Child Find applies to all children residing in Tennessee who attend VSVA, including those who are homeschooled, highly mobile (e.g., migrant or experiencing homelessness), or wards of the state.

Families are encouraged to review the following guidance that outlines Child Find responsibilities and the procedures used to identify educational disabilities and determine eligibility for services and supports.

For more information about Child Find in Tennessee, please visit:
https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/special-education/child-find.html

Information about VSVA’s internal procedures for identifying and supporting students with disabilities is available in our Special Programs Manuals and Handbooks. Parents or guardians with questions about referrals, evaluations, or eligibility are encouraged to contact our Special Programs Department directly.

Child Find

Child Find Notice – Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires every public school, including virtual schools, to develop and implement procedures to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education and related services. This process is known as Child Find.

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all enrolled students, ages 3 through 21, who may have a disability—regardless of the severity of the disability or whether the student is progressing from grade to grade. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Autism
  • Deaf-Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Developmental Delay (ages 3–9)
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Functional Delay (Tennessee-specific)
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Intellectually Gifted (Tennessee-specific)
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Speech or Language Impairment
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Visual Impairment

As a Tennessee public school, VSVA responds proactively to all federal and state requirements to ensure that each student is provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), consistent with TDOE policies and IDEA regulations.

To comply with Child Find, VSVA implements procedures to ensure the timely identification of all students suspected of having a disability, including students who are homeless, in foster care, highly mobile, or wards of the state.

Parent/Guardian Involvement in Child Find – Parental input is a vital part of the evaluation process. When a student is suspected of having a disability, the school will request information from the student and/or parent/guardian, such as:

  • How the suspected disability affects learning and school performance
  • What educational interventions have been attempted
  • Relevant educational, medical, or developmental information
  • Information from current or former teachers, therapists, doctors, or agencies involved with the student

All information collected during this process is held in strict confidence and is only released with parental consent or as otherwise permitted by law. Parents also have the right to review their child’s educational records in accordance with FERPA and Tennessee law.

Possible Outcomes of the Child Find Process – Depending on the student’s needs and the results of the evaluation, outcomes may include:

  • A comprehensive evaluation under IDEA or Section 504
  • Development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Provision of appropriate services and accommodations
  • Referral to community-based or state support services

For more information on Child Find in Tennessee, please visit the TN Department of Education’s official page: https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/special-education/child-find.html

Consent

VSVA staff strictly adheres to all provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding the confidentiality of student educational records and personally identifiable information. We are committed to protecting the privacy of student data in compliance with federal and Tennessee state laws.

Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) cannot proceed with an evaluation for special education eligibility—or with the initial provision of special education and related services—without written consent from the student’s parent or legal guardian, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

For more information about parental rights and consent procedures, families are encouraged to review the Procedural Safeguards Notice, available through the Tennessee Department of Education: Procedural Safeguards – English (PDF)

Once written consent is obtained, VSVA will proceed with the evaluation process. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the results of the evaluation, they have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense, in accordance with IDEA and TNDOE procedures.

Special Education (IEP) or Service Agreements (504 Plans)

Special Education Eligibility, IEP Development, and Parent Rights at VSVA

  • Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified school personnel, parents/guardians, and relevant service providers will convene for an eligibility determination meeting to review evaluation data and determine whether the student meets eligibility criteria for one of Tennessee’s 16 special education disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Click here for more information on Tennessee’s eligibility criteria: https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/special-education/special-education-evaluation-eligibility.html
  • If the student is found eligible under IDEA and requires specially designed instruction, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team will meet to develop a plan that addresses the student’s academic, functional, and behavioral needs. The IEP outlines goals, accommodations, supports, services, and placement. VSVA follows all Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) timelines and expectations for this process.

Prior Written Notice and Parental Consent

  • Once the IEP is developed and agreed upon by the IEP Team, a Prior Written Notice (PWN) is issued to the parent/guardian explaining the decisions made. This notice must be signed and returned to VSVA before any special education services or placement can begin. The same applies to any changes to a Section 504 Plan, which outlines accommodations for students who do not qualify under IDEA but still meet eligibility criteria under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • For more information on Section 504 in Tennessee, click here: https://www.tn.gov/education/legal-services/civil-rights/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation.html
  • Students may be eligible for a 504 Plan if they have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and require accommodations to access or participate in the educational program. These supports are provided at no cost to the student or family, and VSVA is committed to providing equal opportunity in all school programs and activities.

Revocation of Services

  • Parents/guardians have the legal right to revoke consent for special education or 504 services at any time following initial implementation. Please note that revoking consent removes the student from all services and accommodations outlined in the IEP or 504 Plan. The school will document this revocation and cease special services unless a new referral process is initiated.

Student Privacy and FERPA Compliance

  • To maintain the confidentiality of student records, including special education and 504 documentation, VSVA follows all federal regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student information is stored securely and shared only with authorized individuals in accordance with the law.
  • For more information on FERPA and your rights, click here: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Special Education Grievances or Disputes

Addressing Disagreements and Collaborative Problem Solving at VSVA

  • At Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), we recognize that even with the best intentions, disagreements or miscommunications may occasionally arise between school teams and families regarding a student’s special education program. When this occurs, VSVA’s Special Education team prioritizes open dialogue, collaboration, and student-centered problem-solving.
  • If concerns arise, the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team will reconvene to review and address the specific issues. During this meeting, the team—including the parent/guardian, special educators, general education teachers, and other service providers—will carefully consider the student’s needs and work together to develop an appropriate plan of action.
  • These meetings are collaborative in nature, and the VSVA Special Education Department is committed to maintaining strong partnerships with families to ensure that all students receive the services and supports they need to succeed.

Dispute Resolution and Complaint Procedures

  • At Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), we recognize that even with the best intentions and collaborative planning, disagreements or miscommunications may occasionally arise between families and the school-based team regarding a student’s special education services.
  • If such a situation occurs, VSVA will reconvene the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team to fully discuss the concerns. This team includes the parent or guardian, special education and general education staff, and any related service providers. Together, the team will examine the student’s needs and work toward a resolution that is in the best educational interest of the student.
  • Our primary focus is to maintain strong, trusting relationships with families and to ensure that all students receive the support they need for academic and functional success.

Accessibility and Accommodations

  • Notices of rights and procedural documents are available, upon request, in Braille, audiotape, large print, and languages other than English. If you need these accommodations or additional support, please contact Amanda Winn, Academic Administrator for Special Programs at [email protected] or reach out to your child’s VSVA Special Education Team for guidance.

Dispute Resolution Options in Tennessee

  • Parents/guardians have the right to pursue any of the following formal dispute resolution options provided by the Tennessee Department of Education:
    • IEP Facilitation – A voluntary process where a trained, neutral facilitator helps guide the IEP meeting and improve communication between school staff and families. IEP facilitation is used when discussions become difficult or reach an impasse, and all parties agree to the support of a third-party facilitator.
    • Mediation – A free and voluntary process involving an impartial mediator who helps the parent and school reach a legally binding agreement. Mediation is typically less adversarial, faster, and less costly than a formal hearing. Agreements reached through mediation are signed by both parties and must be implemented.
    • Formal Due Process Hearing – Parents are not required to try facilitation or mediation first. If they believe their concerns can only be addressed through a formal due process hearing, they may file a written complaint with the TNDOE. The hearing is a legal process conducted before an administrative law judge
  • For complete information on dispute resolution options in Tennessee, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/education/dispute-resolution/special-education-legal-services.html
  • Let us know how we can support you throughout this process—our goal is to ensure students thrive and families feel empowered and respected in every interaction.

TNSTEP – Tennessee’s Parent Training and Information Center

TNSTEP (Support and Training for Exceptional Parents) is Tennessee’s designated Parent Training and Information Center, funded through the U.S. Department of Education. TNSTEP provides families and caregivers of children with disabilities free access to:

  • Parent-friendly information about IEPs, Section 504, and IDEA rights
  • Trainings and workshops to help families better understand special education processes
  • One-on-one support for preparing for IEP meetings, reviewing evaluations, and goal planning
  • Multilingual resources, including support in Spanish
  • Virtual and in-person support across Tennessee

TNSTEP Contact Information:

Identification of Gifted Talented Manager

Amanda Winn

Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
865.328.7482

At Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), we recognize and support the unique needs of students who demonstrate high academic or creative potential. In Tennessee, there is an important distinction between “gifted and talented” students and students identified as “intellectually gifted” under special education law.

  • Gifted and Talented (G/T) Students
    • Gifted and talented students may excel in areas such as creativity, leadership, the arts, or a specific academic field. While Tennessee recognizes the value and potential of these students, gifted and talented programming is not mandated by the state and is not covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
    • Local districts and schools may choose to provide enrichment opportunities, acceleration, or advanced coursework for gifted and talented students, but participation in these programs is determined at the local level and does not require formal eligibility under IDEA.
  • Intellectually Gifted (IG) – Covered Under IDEA
    • Tennessee is one of a few states that includes “Intellectually Gifted” as one of its 16 eligibility categories for special education services under IDEA.
      • Tennessee defines Intellectually Gifted as a student whose intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that the student’s educational performance is adversely affected, and who requires specially designed instruction through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
      • Students suspected of being Intellectually Gifted are evaluated through a special education eligibility process that includes data from cognitive assessments, achievement tests, classroom performance, and teacher/parent input. If the student qualifies, they receive an IEP and special education services to address their advanced academic needs.