I. Pre-referral

Before a child is referred for special education, every effort should be made to ensure that all strategies and accommodations available to him in the typical classroom are being utilized. Teachers discuss children at Instructional Study team meetings to gather new ideas and/or share insights on and strategies for working with students.

The Instructional Study Team should consist of:

• Administrator
• Student’s teacher(s)
• School Psychologist/Social Worker
• Guidance Counselor (H.S./M.S.)
• Special Education Teacher
• School Nurse (where appropriate)
• Related Service Provider (as appropriate)

The conclusion of the meeting may include one of the following outcomes:

• Recommendations for strategies to attempt in classroom
• Recommendations for further investigation
• Recommendations for behavioral interventions
• Section 504 referral
• CSE referral
• Pre-referral supports

II. Section 504 or CSE Referral

In the case of either referral, it is strongly recommended that the parents be notified before the referral is made.

Section 504 Referral

• Complete referral form
• Attach Intervention Plan
• Attach any pertinent medical documentation
• Submit referral form with signatures and attachments to the Director of Pupil Personnel Services
• Upon receipt of information, arrangements will be made for an initial referral meeting

CSE Referral

• Complete referral form
• Attach Intervention Plan
• State and federal law mandates that a child should not be determined to be a child with a disability if the determinant factor is a lack of appropriate instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency.
• Attach other pertinent information (previous evaluations, assessments, report cards, etc.)
• Submit referral form with signatures and attachments to the Director of Pupil Personnel Services
• Upon receipt of information, a referral packet will be sent to parents. Evaluations will proceed once parental permission has been received.

II. Parent Referral

Parents with concerns regarding their child’s progress are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher to discuss their concerns. There is a school psychologist assigned to each school building who is available to meet with parents. Requests for formal evaluations, when necessary, should be in written form and sent to the school psychologist in the building or the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.