Navigating The Special Education Process
The special education process includes identifying, evaluating, and appropriately placing students who are eligible for services. Once services are provided, progress reports and annual IEP planning meetings offer opportunities to review a student's progress, update the IEP, and further talk about placement.
Identifying a Need for Services
Teachers, caregivers, or the student may request that a special education evaluation be considered. The request can be made by contacting the school's principal. Caregivers and/or the student participate with school staff in what is called the referral review process.
The Evaluation
Permission from a parent/guardian is needed for the initial evaluation, which examines areas related to the student's suspected disability. Evaluation results are reviewed by a team of school personnel, the caregiver, and/or the student. Educators on the team usually include a school psychologist, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, an administrator, and sometimes others. The entire team determines whether the student is eligible for and needs special education.
Planning for Services and Placement
When special education services are needed, the school team, including caregivers and/or the student, develops an Individual Education Program (IEP) plan.
The IEP includes:
- Program goals and objectives for the student.
- Types of specialized services that may be needed.
- The amount of time the student will spend in general education activities.
- The place where services will occur.
Some of the placement options – or combination of options – a team may consider include the regular or mainstream classroom, a school's resource learning center, a self-contained special education classroom, or off-site. The "least restrictive environment" principle guides the placement decision.
If there is a disagreement about the IEP or special education services, school staff, parents, and the student, when appropriate, work to reach an agreement through mediation, conciliation, or a due process hearing.
Tracking Progress
At progress reporting times and during annual IEP review meetings, the student's progress is reviewed, the IEP is updated, and the student's placement is discussed. Parents are encouraged to review program goals and suggest changes. Parents, students who are their own legal guardian, or school personnel may request an IEP and placement review at any time.
