Consideration for Special Education

A special education referral for a student suspected of a Specific Learning Disability may only be deemed necessary after the student has received tiered interventions, and the intervention(s) provided were not successful in closing the achievement gap. A student may be referred during Tier III, but eligibility will not be determined until interventions have been implemented with fidelity at all levels. See the manual for specific information about SPED referrals.

Parents who are concerned that their child might need to be referred for SPED should start by having a conversation with their child's classroom teacher. Ask about progress monitoring, scores on universal screeners, if they are currently receiving intervention, and if they are making adequate progress. Your child's teachers might know the answers to all of these questions...or might have to consult their school's RTI team for additional information before getting back to you.