Services

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RSU 21 offers a full continuum of special education and supportive services to meet the needs of our students with disabilities in accordance with both federal and state regulations:

Resource Room Programs

The Resource Room supports students who have been identified with an educational disability in one of 13 qualifying areas (such as learning disability, autism, or hearing impairment) and require specially designed instruction (SDI) and/or related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Note that a medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for special education services.

Students spend the majority of their day in the general education classroom, visiting the Resource Room as outlined in their IEP for targeted, individualized, or small-group instruction from a special education teacher. Services are delivered flexibly through both pull-out support (instruction in the Resource Room) and push-in support (the resource teacher collaborating within the general education classroom).

This model aligns with Maine's requirement to provide a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. All services and supports are determined by the IEP team and tailored to each student's unique needs, promoting academic growth, accessibility, and inclusion alongside nondisabled peers.

Reaching Independence through Structured Education (RISE) and
Learning Independence and Fostering Transition (LIFT)

The RISE program is evolving to provide a more flexible and comprehensive support structure within RSU 21 school buildings, embracing an expanded definition that aligns with the principle of creating the least restrictive environment for students. While the program will continue to serve students with autism who have cognitive and functional challenges requiring additional adult support, it will now also accommodate two additional student profiles. First, it will support students transitioning from high-need programs such as the LIFT Program (formally known as the Developmental Learning Center or the Transitional Learning Program) who are ready for increased time in general education settings but still require a level of adult support beyond what a traditional Resource Room can provide. Second, the program will serve students
currently in Resource Room programs who are academically appropriate for general education instruction for the majority of their coursework but have demonstrated a need for additional adult support to address either targeted academic needs or functional goals. This expanded framework is designed to provide the flexibility and individualized support necessary to help students achieve the program's core mission: reaching greater independence over time.

The LIFT program operates as a self-contained educational setting specifically designed to support students with the most significant learning needs in RSU 21. This includes students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and those with significant medical needs who require intensive adult support to access their education. The self-contained nature of the program enables students to receive specialized services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, and speech therapy more frequently and in a more integrated manner. Together, the LIFT/RISE programs are committed to creating a neurodiversity-affirming environment for students who learn differently and require highly individualized approaches to education. The programs utilize evidence-based instructional methods that build upon student interests and strengths to teach new skills, with a focus that may extend to daily living skills such as showering independently or functional life skills like working with money that promote greater independence. The specific implementation of LIFT/RISE may vary across different school buildings to best meet the unique needs of each special education population and the available staff resources.

Collaborative Support Services Program (CSSP)

The Collaborative Support Services Program (CSSP) is a specialized, self-contained classroom designed for students who need a higher level of behavioral and academic support than what can be provided through the Resource Room or general education setting alone. This program is considered a last resort, after all other support options have been explored.

The goal of the CSSP is always to help students return to a less restrictive setting. A student may be ready to transition out when they are successfully spending 85–90% of their day in the general education classroom, showing greater independence, and requiring less behavioral support. The team will meet to review eligibility and plan next steps, with parent input throughout the process.  

Special Education offers a wide range of services based on a student's individual needs.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• School Psychological Services
• Social Work Services
• Transition Services
• Interpreter Services
• School Health Services
• Special Education Transportation
• Assistive Technology Specialist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst