Understanding the Basics of Special Education Evaluations
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This federal law mandates a process called "child find," where school districts identify students who may need special education services. In Minnesota, this process starts at birth and involves several steps, including screening and educational evaluations.
What is Child Find?
Child find is a proactive effort by school districts to identify students who may require special education services. It encompasses all students, regardless of their living situation or school type, including those who are homeschooled or attend private institutions. Screening is the initial step in this process, which involves various methods such as tests, observations, and interviews to detect potential disabilities.
Screening and Parental Permission
Schools can screen students without parental permission. This may involve written tests, classroom observations, or discussions between teachers. If screening suggests a need for further assessment, the student may be referred for an educational evaluation.
Educational Evaluations: The Key to Tailored Education
An educational evaluation, also known as an assessment, is crucial for determining a student's eligibility for special education services. This comprehensive process gathers information about the student's strengths, weaknesses, and needs. The evaluation helps in crafting an Individual Education Program (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) to support the student's educational journey.
Requesting an Evaluation
Anyone involved with the student, such as parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals, can request an educational evaluation. It's important to submit this request in writing to the school principal and keep a copy for your records. Once requested, the school must respond within ten school days.
Parental Consent and Informed Consent
Schools require informed consent from parents before conducting an evaluation. This means parents must understand all aspects of the evaluation and agree to it in writing. Consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.
The Evaluation Process
Once consent is given, the school has 30 school days to complete the evaluation. The process involves assembling a referral team, including parents, to review the student's current information and determine what additional data is needed. The evaluation notice provided to parents must detail the tests and their purposes.
Ensuring a Comprehensive Evaluation
A thorough evaluation uses multiple tests and data sources to gain a complete understanding of the student's learning profile. Tests must be appropriate for the student's language and communication abilities, culturally fair, and technically sound.
Next Steps After Evaluation
After the evaluation, results are compiled into an evaluation summary report, which is shared with the parents. If the student qualifies for special education, an IEP is developed. If not, the team may consider a 504 accommodation plan.
For more detailed guidance, you can access the full fact sheet by following this link.
