Student Success Team (SST)
Parents or teachers may request an SST meeting when there is concern about the academic progress or behavior of a student. The team consists of staff and parents working together to develop a plan to help the child be successful.
Special Education Services
If through an SST meeting it appears that the needs of the child might go beyond what the teacher can provide in the classroom, the student may be referred for an assessment for eligibility for special education services. After the evaluation, a meeting is held with the parents to determine eligibility and goals for the student. Parents must approve this assessment plan.
Resource Specialist Program
The Resource Specialist Program is for students who have specific learning problems in reading, writing, spelling, written or oral expression and/or math. After testing and evaluation, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is written for qualified students, with the approval of parents. These services are provided through the resource room at Mistral.
Speech and Language Program
The district speech therapist provides speech and language therapy at school based on the child's needs. Qualification may be based on problems with articulation or language processing. Services can be provided in the speech therapists' office (pull-out) or inside the classroom (push-in).
Learning More About Special Education
Special Education services are managed by the Director of Special Education, through the district office.
The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council is made up of parents, teachers and students in the Mountain View and Los Altos who are committed to getting the best education for students with learning challenges or special education needs.
Mountain View is part of the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA 1) for public schools. Currently SELPA 1 encompasses Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto. The SELPA sponsors many activities including: support group meetings, featuring guest speakers, a biannual newsletter, a support line, Ability Awareness Week, and guidelines for parents of special needs children in public schools.
Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
CHAC provides individual and group counseling on campus for students in need. Students can be referred by either a teacher or parent. Parental permission is required before a child can meet with the CHAC personnel.
For more information about CHAC, an organization dedicated to helping families with children at risk, please contact their offices at 650-965-2020.
Summit Program
This program is for some students in grades 3 through 5. This program, it is funded by the Mistral PTA. Parent volunteers carry out most of our enrichment activities as an after-school program.