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About Us
Special Education
About Special Education
The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for students with disabilities. Serving over 800 students, our Special Education Department provides a robust continuum of supports, from comprehensive related services to Learning Center and Specialized Program resources. Our team collaborates closely with families and educators to personalize support plans that maximize each student's potential.
Our programs are designed to promote access and equity, ensuring that students can thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible and participate meaningfully in the general education curriculum. We emphasize student-centered practices that encourage the development of independence, self-determination, and advocacy skills, enabling students to take an active role in their learning journey. With a focus on differentiated instruction, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and inclusive practices, we aim to empower each student to achieve academic and personal success, preparing them for lifelong learning and fulfillment within and beyond the school setting. Read our Program Guide to learn more!
We look forward to another collaborative year with Acton-Boxborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (AB SEPAC). Per Massachusetts law, the SEPAC’s role is to advise the district on the education and safety of children with disabilities and participate in program planning, feedback, and development. Meeting dates and more information can be found at AB SEPAC You can contact the AB SEPAC at abrsdsepac@gmail.com.
Natalia Kierul,
Director of Special Education
Successfully Implemented: Our New Student-Centered IEP Process
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has introduced a major update to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) – and we have successfully implemented this modernized format.
We are now actively generating new IEPs that are highly tailored to each student’s unique needs and learning style. This new framework, the first major update in over 20 years, enhances clarity, accessibility, and focuses squarely on student-centered planning.
A core tenet of this new process is emphasizing parent participation. We are dedicated to ensuring that parent insights and expertise are integrated at every stage, from initial goal setting to final review, creating a truly collaborative plan for student success.
While our staff completed comprehensive training on the new forms, we continue to offer resources to ensure all team members feel confident. We encourage parents to revisit the DESE's website for details on the new structure.We look forward to continuing this more effective, inclusive approach to supporting our students, together.
Assistant Director of Special Education
Homebound/Hospitalized
Please visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE website for important information and Forms for the required forms.
504 Plan Information
At Acton-Boxborough, we are committed to ensuring that every student has equitable access to learning and school life.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects the rights of students with disabilities. Through a 504 plan, students may receive accommodations and supports that help them fully participate in classroom instruction, activities, and assessments.
📘 Parent Resource:
We’ve created a Basic Guide to Section 504 Plans to help families understand the process, eligibility, and what supports may look like in our schools.
👉 Click here to review the Parent Guide
📘 Learn more about Section 504 and how eligibility is determined on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website:
➡️ DESE: Section 504 Information
If you have questions or would like to discuss your child’s potential eligibility for a 504 plan, please contact: Shannon Dandridge, Section 504 Coordinator.
Acton-Boxborough SEPAC
We look forward to another collaborative year with Acton-Boxborough SEPAC. Co-Chairs will share meeting dates for the 2025-2026 school year soon. You can contact them at abrsdsepac@gmail.com. We are excited to welcome your students back to school. Please reach out to us or your coordinator if you have any additional questions or concerns.
PowerSchool
Parents of students with IEPs and 504 Plans can find their student's documents in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Restraint Policy
Each school has a team of professionals trained in restraint accoring to the policies and procedures established by ABRSD. The district provides yearly training to staff to keep everyone current. Please review our Restraint Policy (JKAA).
