Programs and Services

Although programs provided by ESDs vary based on local needs, ESDs have become – through legislation, contract with a state agency, through cooperation with higher education and community colleges or via fiscal support: 

The major provider of:

• Programs for trainable mentally retarded persons 21 years of age and younger,
• Media services to local school districts,
• Home schooling services.

A significant provider of:

• Services to physically handicapped, emotionally handicapped and learning disabled students,
• Standardized testing and testing support services,
• Services to non-English speaking students,
• Staff development activities for teachers and support staff,
• Administrative data processing services,
• Consultation for curriculum improvement,
• Support services in graphic arts, printing, cooperative purchasing, attendance counseling and school nurses,
• Early intervention services.

An important provider of:

• Resources for enrichment experiences for talented and gifted students,
• Administrative consultation to smaller districts,
• Services for the Oregon Department of Education in school district standardization, pupil assessment and materials distribution,
• Services for students served by agencies on the Oregon Department of Education’s Private Agency Education Programs list,
• Regional special education programs contracted by the state,
• Locally funded regional alternative and vocational schools.

Contract Review

ESD boards also may serve as the contract review board for local districts.

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