3.11 Consultation as a Direct Service

Consultation as a Direct Service Consultation can, when provided in an ongoing and regular manner, also qualify as a direct service. This typically occurs when a specialist is providing instruction to classroom teachers and other staff members in the use of modifications, specialized equipment, computer hardware/software, or specialized techniques and programs and the student is included in the instruction. As with other direct services, this type of consultation is listed on the special education and related services page of the IEP and goals (with benchmarks or short-term objectives, if appropriate) that are the primary responsibility of the identified service provider are required. Special education services provided within the general education classroom are included in the calculation of the percentage of the student's time spent in general education.

Consultation as a Support to School Personnel

In most cases, consultation is considered a support to school personnel. In this type of consultation, there is little to no direct contact with the student. Examples of this type of consultation include:

1. Training in appropriate instructional accommodations, modifications, instructional strategies;

2. Provision of information necessary to understand the student's disability and abilities;

3. Provision of resource materials specific to meeting the instructional needs of the student;

4. Regular meetings of the instructional staff. When a specialist is providing this type of consultation, specific goals and objectives are not required and the service is listed as a support to school personnel. Supports to school personnel are not included in the calculation of percentage of time spent in special education. Exception: When a student receives consultation that does not involve direct instruction to the student and it is the only service provided on the IEP (e.g., low incidence services), the service must be listed on the special education and related services page of the IEP and have related goals and objectives.