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Special Education » Assessments and IEPs

Assessments and IEPs

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Assessment Procedure: The Special Education Process

The special education process is designed to determine if a student is eligible for special education services and to identify the most appropriate supports. This process is divided into four key steps:

Referral for Assessment

The special education process begins with a referral. This referral may come from a Student Study Team (SST) or other professional after a review of the student's needs. Within 15 days of receiving the referral (excluding long school breaks), the district will provide a written response. If an assessment is deemed appropriate, an Assessment Plan will be provided, outlining the types of tests and the purposes of the evaluation. Written parental consent is required before the assessment can begin. The district must receive this consent within 15 days. Once consent is obtained, the school has 60 days (excluding long breaks) to complete the assessment and convene an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.

Assessment

Assessments are conducted to gather comprehensive information to determine a student's eligibility for services and to identify their specific needs. These evaluations may include a variety of methods, such as formal testing, classroom observations, interviews, and a review of the student's records. Key guidelines for this process are:

  • Assessments are conducted only with written parent consent.
  • They cover all areas of suspected disability.
  • They are provided in the student's primary language or with an interpreter.
  • The process uses multiple, non-discriminatory tests administered by qualified professionals.
  • A multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Development and Implementation of the IEP

Following the assessments, the IEP team, which includes parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists, meets to review the results, determine eligibility, and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This document outlines the student's specific goals, the services they will receive, and how progress will be measured. The IEP also details when, where, and how often services will be provided. Parents receive a copy of the finalized IEP and must provide their consent before services can begin. The IEP is a working document that is reviewed at least annually and can be revised as needed.

IEP Review and Reassessment

The IEP team is required to review a student's IEP at least once a year to ensure it continues to meet their educational needs. Additionally, a comprehensive reassessment occurs at least every three years. The district maintains the right to conduct a reassessment at any time by providing a written notice to parents.