Special Education

Girls Athletic Leadership Schools Los Angeles (GALS LA) offers an inclusive special-education program to prepare all of our students with unique needs for life after graduation, including college and career readiness. Students identified with a disability are provided with maximum opportunities to learn and are included in all general-education programs and activities, to the maximum extent possible.

Students receive differentiated instruction in the general-education classrooms through collaboration with special-education staff in order to access grade-level standards. Special education students are supported by our team of special education staff and specialists who co-plan, co-teach and co-assess with content specific teachers. General education staff are made aware of the individualized needs, accommodations and/or modifications of our students with special needs in order to provide needed supports throughout the school day. In addition, students that require more intensive academic supports receive additional time to focus on foundational skills.

GALS LA also provides Designated Instructional Services (DIS) or Related Services as identified and indicated on students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which can include services such as adapted physical education (APE), behavior intervention development (BID) and implementation (BII), DIS counseling (PUC), language and speech services (LAS), and occupational therapy (OT). DIS services are typically provided outside of the general education classroom through a pull-out model. Learn more about GALS LA’s practices from our profile at the Office of Civil Rights.

SBAC, ELPAC, and CAST Accommodations

Testing accommodations for Smarter Balanced (SBAC), the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) and the California Science Test in grade 8 (CAST) are discussed and assigned during IEP meetings.

Special Education Resources

• Are you Puzzled (English | Spanish)

• Complaint Response Unit (English | Spanish)

• Early Childhood Special Education Supports and Services (English | Spanish)

• ESY (English | Spanish)

• IEP and You Brochure (English | Spanish)

• IEP Process Needs You (English | Spanish)

• LRE Brochure (English | Spanish)

• Parent Input Survey (English | Spanish)

• ITP and You Brochure (English | Spanish)

• Parent's Guide to Special Education Services (English | Spanish)

• Psychological Services (English | Spanish) 

• School and Family Support Services (SFSS) letter (English | Spanish)

• SFSS Brochure (English | Spanish)

Neurodiversity Resources

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity recognizes that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world—such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. We value neurodiversity and are committed to creating a learning environment where all students feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed.

Resources for Students & Families

• Understood.org
  Practical tools and strategies for ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences.

• Child Mind Institute
  Clear, student- and family-friendly guides on attention, learning, and mental health.

• CHADD
  Evidence-based resources specifically for ADHD.

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
  Neurodiversity-affirming resources created by and for neurodivergent individuals.