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The Special Education Evaluation Process

January 06, 2021

Special Education Evaluation Process

Special Education is a program in which the student must qualify under the criteria outlined in the Missouri State Plan for Special Education. The following is a brief description of how the typical special education process works for an initial evaluation.

A student can be referred for an initial evaluation by the parent, a teacher, or another staff member who is familiar with the child.

If there is a reason to suspect a disability, the parent will receive a copy of the Procedural Safeguards within five school days. This document informs parents about the rights and protections available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA). 

Within 30 calendar days, a case manager will collect information on the student in several areas and from several sources. The case manager will input the information into a form called a “Review of Existing Data.” At this time the parents, teachers, and other members of the team will either meet or confer on whether additional information is needed.

If testing is warranted, the parents are presented with a document to sign, which gives the district permission to begin the evaluation. 

The district has 60 calendar days, (starting from the date when the signed, permission was received), to complete testing and compile the results in an evaluation report. The evaluation team (parents, teachers, test examiners, administrators, counselors, etc.) will meet to discuss the results and determine whether the student meets the eligibility criteria.

If the student is qualified to receive special education services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) must be developed within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination date. Again, parents must give the district the signed, written consent to initiate special education services for their child.

If you have further questions regarding the special education process, you may contact the Special Services Department at 660-947-3361, extension 382.