Screening
Screening includes the areas of vision, hearing, health, gross/fine motor skills, speech/
language, cognitive, adaptive skills, academics, transition, and social/emotional/
behavioral. School staff and the parent review these areas. The screening process will provide input to determine if evaluation is the next step.
Evaluation
Evaluation means procedures used in accordance with federal laws and regulations to determine whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs. The term means procedures used selectively with an individual child and does not include basic tests administered or procedures used with all children in a school, grade, or class.
If the screening meeting indicates evaluation is warranted, then the evaluation plan will be developed. The evaluation plan determines what data is needed, what tests will be administered, and who will administer the tests. Parental permission is required for initial referrals before any testing can begin.
Eligibility Determination
Once the testing is completed, an eligibility staffing is held. The eligibility staffing must include a regular classroom teacher, a person qualified to administer and interpret evaluation instruments, other school personnel as appropriate, the parent, and the student when appropriate. The testing results are discussed, along with input from the educational team. Then the criteria for the special services categories are reviewed to determine if the student is eligible to receive support from special services. If the student is found eligible, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed to determine how special services will help support the student be successful with the regular educational curriculum.
