Understanding Special Education

Referral to local school districts Committee on Special Education
by:
Parent
Teacher
Administrator
Physician
Other

Parent Notified in Writing of Referral
Parent receives Referral Packet including:
Referral Letter
Consent for Evaluation
Parent Handbook
Due Process Rights
Test Descriptions
Professional Resources

Parent Signs Consent for Evaluations to be Conducted
(Once consent is received, the committee has 60 days to conduct all the following steps)
including at least:
Psychological Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Evaluations in all areas relating to suspected disability
Classroom Observation
Physical Examination
Social History

CSE Meeting/Recommendation
Parent is notified in advance of date, time, place of meeting.
Committee convenes and all evaluation information is reviewed.
Committee makes a determination if criteria for eligibility has been met.
Committee makes a recommendation for services (if eligible).
Committee develops an Individualized Education Plan (if eligible).
Recommendation is sent to Board of Education for approval.

Parent Signs Consent for Service
Once consent has been received and the recommendation approved by the Board of Education, services begin.
(within 60 days from CSE receipt of consent to evaluate)

Annual Review
CSE meets at least once annually to review the child's progress, Review IEP, make recommendations for the upcoming school year and to develop a new or revised IEP

Reevaluation
Every three years the CSE convenes to review the child's progress. Parent must give written consent for evaluation to be conducted for the purpose of determining continued eligibility for special education service.