Any student is eligible for special education services when identified within one of the categories of disability as defined under state and federal definitions. This determination is made by qualified professionals.
Eligibility Classifications
The categories of disability which must be met for students to qualify for special education include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cognitive Disability
- Deaf-Blindness
- Developmental Delay
- Emotional Disability
- Hearing Impairment, including Deafness
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment, including Blindness
What Happens in the Evaluation Process?
1. Referral and Initial Review:
-
Every school has a Building Intervention Team (BIT) that processes referrals from parents, staff, or other concerned parties for students experiencing educational difficulties.
-
The BIT reviews information and designs appropriate interventions to assist staff in providing alternatives.
2. Pre-Referral Team Involvement:
-
If these interventions are unsuccessful, the BIT refers students to the Pre-Referral Team for further evaluations.
-
With written consent from the parent/legal guardian, the Pre-Referral Team conducts an assessment that includes teacher and parent/legal guardian interviews, testing, and classroom observations.
-
The Pre-Referral Team consists of individuals knowledgeable in the suspected disability area and persons familiar with the student’s background.
3. Evaluation and Eligibility Determination:
-
The purpose of the Pre-Referral Team is to determine if the student is eligible under one of the existing disabilities.
-
The results of the evaluation are provided to the Individual Education Plan Team (IEP Team), who reviews the information with the parent/legal guardian.
-
If the IEP Team determines the student is eligible, special education and related services may be initiated to provide appropriate educational services.