What happens to the ETR if a student is not found eligible for special education

If after the ETR process has been completed, the school determines that a child is not eligible to receive special education services it must explain its decision in writing to the parents/guardians of the child. The school should provide a copy of the evaluation report to the family at no cost. The school must also give the family information on how to challenge its decision.

Even if the child is not eligible for special education services, they may still need some support such as accommodations, tiered academic, behavioral or social-emotional interventions, medical or nursing support, or other more specialized supports like transportation or home instruction. The information gathered in the ETR is valuable and valid for the child and their team regardless of whether or not special education eligibility was determined. The team needs to review the information and create a plan for the child to help them meet with success in school.