Low Incidence Referral Procedures

The general procedure for cases where something is urgent or the school feels the typical referral process should be expedited, is for the school psychologist and special education coordinator to observe and consult with each other about next steps. They are referred to as "low incidence" since it would be quite rare that we wouldn't give students a chance to respond in the least restrictive (general education) environment before conducting an evaluation.

Step 1

Complete and send the Tier 2 Parent Letter to the parents to advise them that the student will be receiving interventions and may be observed by specialists or consultants (SLP, OT, school psychologist, special education coordinator, etc)

Step 2

Obtain parent/guardian permission on a B4 Form and upload SIGNED form to Infinite Campus

Step 3

Complete hearing and vision screenings

Step 4

Ask your school psychologist and your special education coordinator to observe the student and make recommendations using the B6 Specialist Observation Form. Add these observations to the referral file. Consult with additional specialists as needed to ensure that student receives the necessary level of support in regular education while the appropriate educational placement for the student is being determined.

Low Incidence Specialists/Consultants

• • • • • • Julie Johnson: Orthopedic impairment

          • Stacey Hayes: Vision Impairment

          • Kristin Rainwater: Hearing Impairment

          • Yonah Wright: Behavior

          • Special Education Coordinator AND School Psychologist: traumatic brain injury, emotional, developmental, medical (aside from vision, hearing, and orthopedic concerns), and other

Step 5

In all low-incidence referrals, consult with school SLP immediately to determine the student's level of language functioning and if a speech/language evaluation is appropriate. Even if language abilities are not in question, the SLP must be involved in all low incidence referrals in order to rule out language difficulties. (Speech and Language Checklist signed by SLP or note from the SLP should suffice)

Step 6

The school's RTI team determines and documents initial Tier 3 intervention plan to be implemented during the evaluation period. Invite specialist(s) to meeting. Make sure to include academic information in documentation.

Step 7

The school principal must write a letter requesting an expedited referral for evaluation for the student. The letter should be sent to Tamara Etterling and Dr. Karla Swafford, and uploaded to Infinite Campus.

Step 8

School submits Low Incidence Referral Form and principal's letter to Mindy Watkins.

NOTE: Support of the student during the evaluation process is separate from initiating the evaluation process. Any decision regarding Special Education support of the student during the evaluation process can only be made by the Director of Special Education. Within this decision making process, the individual child's rights for access to the general education curriculum/environment are weighted heavily.

August 2020

Hall County Student Services