000+Evaluation+Process


 * What is the special education evaluation process? **

====A special education evaluation is the process for determining whether a child has a disability and needs special education services. The comprehensive evaluation may look at intellectual, academic, social, behavioral, physical, communication, and other developmental areas. All of this information is used to determine the child’s educational needs and whether or not they meet MN criteria for special education services. The evaluation process establishes a foundation for developing an appropriate educational program. ====

Step 1: Evaluation Planning Meeting
====You have been invited to attend a team meeting to discuss the evaluation process. The team, including the parent/guardian, may consist of a school psychologist, case facilitator, special education teacher, speech/language pathologist, principal, school social worker, and the classroom teacher. By age 14 the student is encouraged to participate in this meeting. Team members will share their educational concerns and plan an appropriate evaluation. Once the school district receives consent, the evaluation must be completed==== within 30 school days.

As the team plans the evaluation, consideration is given to whether testing or other information is needed in each of the following areas:

 * ====Intellectual Functioning====
 * ====Communication====
 * ====Health/Physical Status====
 * ====Motor Skills====
 * ====Academic Performance====
 * ====Vision/Hearing====
 * ====Emotional/Social/Behavior====
 * ====Functional Skills====

====After the evaluation is planned, a copy of the plan will be mailed to you for your consent. Once the school receives your consent to proceed, the school district has thirty school days in which to complete the evaluation.====


 * ==== If your child qualifies for services, the team will write an Individual Education Plan (IEP). ====


 * ====If your child does not qualify for special education and still struggles in school, there are other options that may be available to him or her. General education supports including title services, guidance counselors, 504 Plan or other building supports.====

Step 4:The IEP Process
==== Based on the evaluation results and your child's identified needs, an I ndividualized E ducation P lan ( IEP ) will be developed.  ====