A unified educational system is based on the principle that each student represents a unique combination of abilities and educational needs and may require individual assistance at varying times during the school years in order to achieve desired outcomes.”
-- McLaughlin and Warren, 1992

The unified system stresses a system of standards and accountability for all students, including those with disabilities, and engages in a collaborative process of continual improvement. For students with disabilities, processes are put in place to ensure that the educational services and programs selected are both appropriate and effective. This is achieved through the design, use, and assessment of resources at both the district and school level, which have one intention: to improve student performance.