Referral Process & Timelines

Prior to the Referral:

Students who struggle with learning are often supported through both informal and formal interventions within the general education program. When difficulties persist despite these efforts, a referral to the school's Intervention and Referral Support Team (I&RS) provides a structured approach to addressing academic, behavioral, or health-related challenges. These interventions should be implemented with fidelity before considering a referral to the Child Study Team. If as a result of the interventions recommended by the team, the student continues to experience difficulties in the general education classroom, the I&RS Team will determine the next course of action which could include amending the Action Plan, determining 504 eligibility, or referring the student to the Child Study Team for evaluation.

What is a Referral?

To begin the referral process, school personnel must complete the district’s Referral to the Child Study Team for Evaluation (Golden Rod) paperwork. The district expects that a variety of interventions, including the MTSS process, have been attempted before making a referral. When the principal and staff determine that a referral is necessary, the principal or designee must notify the parent in writing.

Parents who believe their child is experiencing significant academic and/or social-emotional challenges in the classroom may initiate a referral to the Child Study Team by submitting a written request to the  Principal or Director of Special Services.

What Are The Steps In The Referral Process?

Following a referral, parents/guardians and the student (if appropriate) are invited to a meeting, which must be scheduled within 20 days of receiving the referral (excluding school vacations other than summer break). During this meeting, the Child Study Team (CST), along with one or more of the student’s general education teachers, will review the student’s needs and determine whether an evaluation is necessary. Attendees are required to sign an attendance sheet.

Based on a review of the student’s educational progress, a decision will be made regarding the need for a CST or speech/language evaluation. If an evaluation is deemed necessary, the scope and nature of the assessment will be discussed. However, if the student has not participated in the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) process and the concerns may be addressed through general education interventions, the team may decide against an evaluation and instead refer the student to I&RS for an intervention plan. If the student is already involved in I&RS and an evaluation is not warranted, the existing intervention plan may be adjusted as needed.

If an evaluation is approved, a written plan outlining its scope and nature will be developed during the meeting. Parental/guardian consent is required before proceeding with the evaluation. Consent may be provided at the conclusion of the meeting or at a later time, but evaluations cannot begin until written consent is received. Once consent is obtained, the district has 90 days to complete the entire evaluation, eligibility determination, and placement process. For preschool-aged children, referrals should be made in time for the evaluation and eligibility process to be completed before the child turns three, ensuring timely access to services.

If an evaluation is not deemed necessary, the student may be referred back to I&RS or recommended for other school-based or community-based services.

Parents will receive written notification of the outcomes of the evaluation planning meeting.