The Special Education Process

by Monley Wu

Referral

Child is identified as possibly needing special education and related

services.
A school professional or parent may ask that a child be evaluated.

Evaluation must assess the child in all areas

related to the child's suspected disability.
Evaluation

Eligibility

IEP

Placement

Qualified professionals and parents look at the child's

evaluation results.They decide together where the child has a
disability. Parents may challenge the decision if they disagree.

IEP meeting is scheduled.

IEP meeting is help and IEP is written.
Services are provided.
IEP must be carried out as it was written.

Each of the child's teachers and service providers has access to the
IEP. They each have specific responsibilities.
Instruction Accommodations, modifications, and supports must be provided.

Progress

Annual
Review

Progress needs to be measured.

Parents should be regularly informed of their child's progress.

IEP must be reviewed by IEP team at least once a year, or more

often if the parents or school ask for a review.
Parents can make suggestions, agreements, or disagreements.

Child must be reevaluated every three years.

Reevaluation