Evaluation Procedures

The Child Study Team convenes an initial evaluation planning meeting within 20 days of receipt of a referral to determine if an evaluation is warranted. The participants in the meeting must include, at least, all three members of the Child Study Team, a regular education teacher with knowledge of the specific student or the District’s program, and the parent. Other appropriate representatives of the District may attend, as well as persons invited by the parent. If the initial evaluation planning committee is in agreement that the student should be tested, the committee members also determine the nature and scope of the evaluation. The parent must be provided with written notice of the decision regarding the evaluation within 15 days of the meeting. The Child Study Team may not begin any testing without signed, parental permission.

At least two members of the Child Study Team must participate in an evaluation, plus other specialists required under special education regulations for the particular disability that is suspected. Usually, Child Study Team members conduct formal and informal assessments and gather information from parents, school staff, school records and other relevant sources. The school nurse provides any relevant health information and conducts an auditory and visual screening for referred students. The evaluation plan may include medical evaluations if they are required for diagnostic purposes related to classification and educational programming.