Caseload/Class Size and Workload
For permission to adjust caseload/class size for programs serving children with disabilities that exceed limits set in state policy, the Local Education Agency (LEA) must obtain a letter of approval from the OSDE-SES. This exception is good for the current school year only. The LEA must document that exceptions to caseload or class size requirements do not interfere with provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The LEA must ensure the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are implemented to meet the educational needs of the students served, with special consideration for any potential harmful effects to the student or the quality of the program. All teachers serving students with disabilities must hold the appropriate Oklahoma teaching certificate for students on their caseload. To request an exception to caseload/class size, the LEA must submit the following:
- Caseload/Workload Instructions - checklist of required submission documents.
- Caseload/Workload & Class Size Assurance - one per district
- Caseload/Workload & Class Size Request for Exception - one per teacher needing exception (>1.0)
- Caseload Class Size Check Sheet- one per teacher needing exception (>1.0)
- Workload Calculation Sheet
Class Size Requirements
| Full Day Self-Contained |
Maximum of ten (10) students per classroom | These classrooms are designed predominantly for the support of students with significant, moderate, or multiple disabilities. Multiple courses are taught to the same students for the majority of the day. For example, students who are served inside the general education classroom for less than 40% of the day. |
| Direct Support/Resource |
Grades K-4 Maximum of ten (10) students per classroom |
These classrooms are designed to provide a higher level of support than what is provided in the regular classroom. Students recieve direct support services for specific subjects. They are also available for students seeking extra help to complement regular classroom instruction. |
| Direct Support/Resource |
Grades 5-12 Maximum of fifteen (15) students per classroom |
These classrooms are designed to provide a higher level of support than what is provided in the regular classroom. Students recieve direct support services for specific subjects. They are also available for students seeking extra help to complement regular classroom instruction. |
Caseload
| Placement | Caseload | |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage (FTE) | Total | |
| General Education Class Full-time (inside the general education class more than 80% of the day) - Consultation and Monitoring Only | 0.025 | 40 |
| General Education Class Full-time (inside the general education class more than 80% of the day) Collaboration, Co-teaching, or Direct Instruction | 0.04 | 25 |
| Special Class Part-time (inside the general education class 40% to 80% of the day) | 0.05 | 20 |
| Special Class Full-time (inside the general education class less than 40% of the day) | 0.067 | 15 |
| Special Class Full-time (inside the general education class less than 10% of the day) | 0.1 | 10 |
| Outside of Public School Setting (home instruction, hospitals, institutions public/private residential facilities, public/private separate day school facilities, correctional facilities, parentally placed in private schools) | 0.025 | 40 |
| Half-day preschool continuum | 0.05 | 20 (10 students per half-day) |
| Speech/Language 60 minutes or less per week | 0.02 | 50 |
| More than 60 minutes per week | 0.025 | 40 |
