Referral, Assessment and Placement
Identification
School personnel have a responsibility to identify children who have exceptional needs and refer them for assessment. Teachers and parents are encouraged to join in the identification and referral to the local school staff for assessment. Parents questioning their child's progress, either developmentally or academically, should first request a conference with the teacher. After this conference the parent and teacher may decide to bring the child to the attention of the Student Study Team.
Student Study Team
The Student Study Team (SST) is a school site team which reviews an individual student's strengths and areas of concern. The SST is a function of the general education system and can assist any student. The SST plans strategies and organizes resources for readdressing problems and concerns about a student. The SST may suggest modifications to the student's program and/or refer the student for a special education assessment.
Referral
A referral to Special Education may be made by a teacher, parent, physician or any other person involved with a student's educational growth. Service may be provided for children from birth to age twenty-one. Teachers and parents are encouraged to use the SST process as a first step when they have a concern. Students may be referred for a special education assessment by the SST or by parents, teachers, counselors, principals, school nurses or other persons who have an interest in the child's welfare. The referral indicates the suspected area(s) of disability, provides school history and documents the modifications that have been tried and proven unsuccessful prior to making a referral. Receipt by the school of the referral officially begins the special education time line. An assessment plan will be developed and the family contacted within fifteen (15) days. The parent/guardian has fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of receiving the Assessment Plan to consent to the plan and return it to the school staff.
Assessment
A school representative will contact the parent/guardian and:
- Review the reasons for assessment.
- Review the reasons for assessment.
- Describe the materials and procedures which will be used to obtain information about the child.
- Explain the rights of the parent/guardian and school district related to assessment.
- Determine the student's primary language and proficiency.
- Describe alternate means as appropriate.
- Obtain written consent for release of confidential information
Arrangements will be made to have your child's needs evaluated. This will be done through testing and conferences held among those who have worked with your child's teachers, nurses, counselors, therapists, psychologists and others. Your written consent and participation will be needed, and evaluation results will be shared with you. This evaluation has three major purposes:
- To assess needs and gather information about the student.
- To determine eligibility for special education programs and services.
- To recommend the appropriate special education programs and/or related services for the student or other program modifications.