Welcome to the Special Education Department

  • We believe that every student can learn and to the extent possible, be integrated within a comprehensive campus. We like students to attend their neighborhood school as part of their community.

    Each student is unique and through their Individual Education Plan their specific needs are identified and planned for with the Individual Education Plan Team. Parents/guardians are an important part of the Individual Education Plan process and we want all parents/guardians to participate in this process.

    We provide services and support to students based on their individual needs that have been identified through assessment. Based on the common core curriculum, the team, including the student and parents, develop goals for the student to work towards while giving them access to general education.

    As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the San Mateo Union High School District provides a continuum of services for students with disabilities, ranging from mild to significant. We have a variety of services and supports at every campus and an Individual Education Plan is developed based on the students needs. We work closely with the San Mateo County Office of Education’s Special Programs. Additionally, we collaborate with the San Mateo County Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) for professional development, service delivery and compliance with state and federal laws.

    We have collaborative relationships with Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC), Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) that support our students and their families in our District. In addition, some of students work closely in community businesses as they transition to careers.

    Our goal is to assist all students to guarantee a successful high school experience and to be career and/or college ready.

    Holly Wade, Ph.D.
    Director of Special Education

Incoming 8th Grade Families

  • 8th Grade Family Info Night for Students Who Receive Special Education Services

    Monday, January 22, 2024
    6 - 7:30 p.m.
    San Mateo High School - Multipurpose Room (MPR)

    Learn more.

Special Education Advisory Committee Meetings

  • SMUHSD's Special Education Advisory Committee invites parents/guardians of students with IEPs to a series of meetings throughout the 2023-2024 school year.  Our goal is to provide parent education about special education supports and resources in high school and to build community among families. Our first meeting on Wednesday, October 25 will be with Superintendent Randall Booker and the Special Education department where we will share our vision in supporting students.  

    December 6, 6- 7:30 p.m.  |   RSVP 
    6 - 6:30 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Superintendent Randall Booker
    6:30 - 7 p.m.: How do we support students with IEPs in our District
    7 - 7:30 p.m.: Networking and Questions


    Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m.  |  RSVP
    6 - 6:30 p.m.: Family Networking
    6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: District Vocational Team Shares Transition Process and Community Resources 


    Wednesday, March 27. 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m.  |  RSVP
    Mentoring and Supporting our Incoming Parents for 2023-2024


    Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m.  |   RSVP
    End of the Year Celebration


    If you have questions please contact SMUHSD Program Specialist Tina Ish at kish@smuhsd.org

    Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.