1. Special Education Process Foley Elementary School

2. When is Special Education chosen as an option? As teachers work with students, different needs surface (academic, behavioral, etc.). When a teacher has tried two or more interventions that have not helped the student to progress, the parent is notified and a referral is made to the building Child Study Team.

3. What happens after a referral is made? The building Child Study Team (parents, teachers, various staff), reviews the student's needs and comes up with a plan of action. If the team feels the student should be evaluated, a plan is written up and parent permission is requested. Please note the parent permission must be gained before any plan is put into action!

4. What is an evaluation? An evaluation identifies the student's strengths and needs related to school performance. It also provides information to help the team determine if the student is eligible and in need of special education. Once parent permission is received, the team takes up to 30 school days to complete the evaluation. Evaluating may include parent interviews, observations, formal testing, and/or consultations with specialists.

5. How are the results used? The team meets to evaluate results and decide whether or not the student qualifies and is in need of services. If the student's results meet state criteria and the team agrees that services are needed, an IEP/IFSP is written to address the student's needs, goal and services. IEP/IFSP

6. What happens after the IEP/IFSP meeting? Special education services will begin when parents approve of the plan. A case manager is assigned to coordinate services for the student, communicate with the team, and monitor and report the student's progress. The IEP/IFSP team monitors the student's progress on a yearly basis to review the plan.

7. What if my child doesn’t qualify? The individualized assessment process provides a wealth of information that can be used to improve instruction and/or expectations for the student. Support services other than special education may be recommended.