Evaluations

At Lancaster City Schools, we’re committed to helping every student succeed. If your child is having difficulty in school—whether it’s with learning, behavior, or attendance—it's important to find out why and provide the right kind of support.

Step 1: Classroom Support through MTSS

Before considering special education, the school begins by offering help through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This includes:

• Extra help in the classroom

• Changes to instruction or how lessons are delivered

• Targeted interventions in academic, behavioral, or emotional areas
  
  

These supports are designed to meet your child’s individual needs and are available to all students, not just those in special education.

If your child responds well to these interventions, they may not need any additional evaluation or services. But if the struggles continue, the school may consider the next step: a special education evaluation.

Step 2: Special Education Evaluation (At No Cost to Families)

If your child is not making progress, the school team—which includes you as the parent or guardian—may recommend a full evaluation to see if a disability is impacting your child’s learning.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Referral – Your child may be referred for an evaluation based on the results of MTSS interventions or clear signs of needing specialized instruction.

2. Team Review – A team (including parents, teachers, and specialists) will review all relevant data, including what has already been tried to help your child.

3. Consent – If the team suspects a disability, they will ask for your written permission to begin a formal evaluation.

Who Qualifies for Special Education (IDEA)?

To receive services under IDEA, a student must meet criteria for one of the following disabilities:

• Autism

• Cognitive Disability

• Specific Learning Disability

• Multiple Disabilities

• Other Health Impairment (e.g., ADHD)

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Emotional Disturbance

• Hearing or Visual Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Speech/Language Impairment

• Deaf-Blindness
  
  

If your child qualifies, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. This outlines your child’s goals and the services and accommodations they’ll receive.

What if My Child Doesn’t Qualify for Special Education?

If the evaluation shows your child does not need special education, they may still qualify for support under Section 504.

To qualify for a 504 Plan, your child must have a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as:

• Learning

• Reading

• Concentrating

• Communicating

• Walking

• Seeing or Hearing

• And many others

A 504 Plan provides accommodations and supports to help your child access learning in the general education setting.

Who to Contact?

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, behavior, or development, please contact your child’s building principal or Special Education Coordinator. A member of the school team will guide you through the next steps and explain the full process in more detail.

We’re here to work with you. Whether your child needs short-term support or more specialized services, Lancaster City Schools is committed to helping every student succeed.