How does a Student Qualify for Special Ed?

Question

How does a Student Qualify for Special Ed?

Answer 1

Generally there has to be a discrepancy betwen ability and achievement, but there are exceptions.  For example a student iwth average or above average intelligence isn't succeeding in the classroom.  A student can be given special education services if they have a severe health impairment that makes them unable to succeed inthe mainstream  Generally a special ed student is in need of support from a special ed teacher-either in the regular classroom or in a separate classroom

A student who only needs accommodations to remain in the regular classroom such as brialle, sign language, medical supporrt, exta time, a personal aid, or behavioral support should be considered for a 504 plan instead.  These studnet do not get any support from a special education teacher-the planis mainly implemented by the regular ed teacher and other school staff such as nurse, counselor

Answer 2

They have to be referred, usually by a teacher, counselor, or parent, for testing by the school psychologist.  The school psychologist will run a series of tests with the student...these will vary depending on the student.  After testing is complete, a conference will be held which generally involves the parents, the student, teachers, a chairperson, and the school psychologist.  In the conference it will be discussed whether or not the student meets the state's criteria to recieve services for a particular disability and if they do, whether or not placement in special education is appropriate.  An IEP will be written at this conference if the student does qualify.

Answer 3

I agree with the first poster however, who will evaluate your child depends on what the issues are. My son has an IEP and he was given a full evaluation. Each specialist evaluted him. He was evaluated by the speach pathologist, the school psychologist, the special education teacher, and the ocupational theorapist.

I had to fight to get my son evaluated because nothing was being done. The school did an in class observation and then I heard nothing. When I finally went into the school to find out what was going on I was informed they were just going to do another in class observation. This was in kindergarten. Finally I got fed up and I wrote a letter to the director of special education and I had a PPT meeting the next day and a set time for a full evaluation. My son was given a full evaluation and was found to be eligible for special education.

Now he's in second grade and he gets alot of help that he needs. Thank God I pushed for it. Sometimes you have to fight for your child.

Now that my son has an IEP the school is required to do whatever is necessesary to give him an appropriate education. When I think something needs to change or be added, I can call a meeting anytime I want and address issues. Once you get an IEP you have a lot of rights and it's important to know the law.

Answer 4

There are several steps one has to go go through.  First of all, the teachers, follow the IAT process.  Documentatiion has to be provided to show what has been done intervention wise.  Several meetings are held over a period of 3 months to determine if the child just needs extra help, or is just plain lazy.  After the observations and interventions have been done, THE TEAM decides if a multifactor evaluation is needed.  Then there are time lines to go by from the time the parent gives consent for testing.  

A parent cannot go in the school and demand a child have an IEP.  That is just not the way it is done.  We have rules and procedures to follow.  If they are not followed to the tee....we could get in big time trouble.