Referral

Before a student can be considered for placement in a special education program, a parent/guardian must grant permission, in writing, for an evaluation. Parents/guardians, teachers, and other school personnel may refer a student for an appropriate evaluation. The Permission to Evaluate states:

• Why the student has been referred for an evaluation.
• What procedures and types of evaluation will be used.
• The proposed evaluation date.
• A copy of the Procedural Safeguard Notice is provided.
   

Evaluation

A school psychologist will evaluate the student using a variety of assessment tools such as a specific type of test, teacher observations, parent information, and a review of records.  After the evaluation, a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meets to discuss the results and recommendations. Along with the parents of the child, the team may include a special education teacher, regular classroom teacher, counselor, therapist, psychologist, and school principal. If a special education placement is recommended, the team will develop an Individual Education Program (IEP).  

IEP/NOREP

Every student in a special education program has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) written by the IEP team that identifies goals, and objectives for the school year. Parents/guardians receive a copy of the IEP and may contact the student’s teacher if there are any questions. Approval for special education is given by the parent’s/guardian’s signature on the Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP). The NOREP is kept in the student’s permanent school file along with the student’s Evaluation Report and IEP.