As a parent, understanding the eligibility criteria for special education services can be daunting. In Washington, the process is designed to ensure that students who genuinely need support receive it. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the requirements.
How Your Student Qualifies for Special Education Services
To be eligible for special education services, your student must meet all three of the following criteria:
- The student must have a disability or disabilities.
- The student’s disability/disabilities must adversely affect educational performance.
- The student’s unique needs cannot be addressed through general education classes alone, even with individual accommodations, and requires specially designed instruction (SDI).
Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive initial evaluation, which includes all existing data gathered about the student and any additional assessments needed. This evaluation helps identify the special education and related services the student requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDI?
Specially designed instruction (SDI) involves organized and planned instructional activities that adapt the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs resulting from a student’s disability.
Who decides what assessments need to be done as part of the initial evaluation for special education eligibility?
The school district’s evaluation group decides on the necessary assessments. These assessments should provide functional, developmental, and academic information about your student. If additional information, such as medical or neurological data, is needed, the district will ensure these assessments are conducted by qualified providers.
Do I need to get a medical diagnosis for my student’s disability before the district can find my student eligible for special education?
No, a medical diagnosis is not required for the district to evaluate your student for special education. However, the district may request any medical information you have and might seek your consent to obtain a medical statement or assessment if needed.
I think my student has a learning disability. How does s/he qualify for special education?
The requirements for determining a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) can vary by district. The booklet "Identification of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities" provides more information about the SLD eligibility process.
What does RTI or Response to Intervention mean? Is the school required to use it?
RTI is a multi-tiered system of support based on a student’s response to research-based interventions. School districts are not required to use RTI; they may use either the severe discrepancy model or RTI procedures to determine specific learning disabilities. More detailed information is available in OSPI’s booklet on the Identification of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities.
How do I withdraw my student from special education services?
If you (or an adult student) revoke consent in writing for the continued provision of special education and related services, the district must honor the revocation and provide you with Prior Written Notice indicating when services will stop.
For more information, please follow this link.
