THE SPECIFICS OF THE REFERRAL TO SPECIAL EDUCATION
The referral process can be done two different ways. The school can make the referral and/or a parent/guardian.
Parent/Guardian
Parents/guardians know their kids best and they might see how much their child struggles with school work. They can also request a referral to special education. Special education is a legal process, therefore, the request for a referral should be done in writing. The school/district has 15 days to respond and start the evaluation process.
Medical Diagnosis or Condition
If a student has a medical diagnosis for a specific disability (hearing impaired, orthopedic, autism, attention deficit disorder), this does not mean they automatically are in special education. An evaluation process still needs to be done, to verify that the disability adversely affects their education. If your child has a medical diagnosis, please make sure you share that information with the school as it will be vital information if a referral is requested.
Classroom Teacher
A teacher might be concerned with a student's progress at school. If a student is struggling, it does not necessarily mean that they have a learning disability. This is the reason why the RTI process was created.
The teacher will meet with the RTI team and share her/his concerns. Together they will discuss the appropriate intervention to meet the needs of the student. Once the RTI process has been exhausted, the RTI team might make the determination to make a referral for special education.
Communication is key, so if a parent/guardian is concerned about their child's progress and success, it is important to communicate your concerns with the teacher. It is possible that the teacher might have the same concerns. If that is the case, the teacher might suggest the RTI process.
Parent/Guardian
Parents/guardians know their kids best and they might see how much their child struggles with school work. They can also request a referral to special education. Special education is a legal process, therefore, the request for a referral should be done in writing. The school/district has 15 days to respond and start the evaluation process.
Medical Diagnosis or Condition
If a student has a medical diagnosis for a specific disability (hearing impaired, orthopedic, autism, attention deficit disorder), this does not mean they automatically are in special education. An evaluation process still needs to be done, to verify that the disability adversely affects their education. If your child has a medical diagnosis, please make sure you share that information with the school as it will be vital information if a referral is requested.
Classroom Teacher
A teacher might be concerned with a student's progress at school. If a student is struggling, it does not necessarily mean that they have a learning disability. This is the reason why the RTI process was created.
The teacher will meet with the RTI team and share her/his concerns. Together they will discuss the appropriate intervention to meet the needs of the student. Once the RTI process has been exhausted, the RTI team might make the determination to make a referral for special education.
Communication is key, so if a parent/guardian is concerned about their child's progress and success, it is important to communicate your concerns with the teacher. It is possible that the teacher might have the same concerns. If that is the case, the teacher might suggest the RTI process.