Referral Process for Special Education
A student can be referred for special education by a teacher, parent, or other school staff. The process typically includes:
· Documenting concerns about academic or behavioral performance
· Reviewing existing supports and interventions
· Requesting a formal evaluation if the student continues to struggle
FULL INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION (FIE) COMPONENTS
The FIE is a comprehensive evaluation used to determine if a student is eligible for special education services. Components include:
1. Cognitive/Intellectual Assessment – Measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities
2. Academic Achievement Testing – Assesses skills in reading, math, writing, and other subjects
3. Speech and Language Evaluation – Examines communication skills
4. Behavioral Assessment – Evaluates social-emotional functioning and challenging behaviors
5. Adaptive Behavior Assessment – Measures self-help, daily living, and functional skills
6. Health and Medical History – Reviews relevant medical information
7. Observations – Teacher or specialist observations of the student in different settings
8. Parent and Teacher Input – Interviews and questionnaires about the student’s strengths and needs
9. Vision and Hearing Screening – Ensures sensory factors are considered
10. Other Assessments as Needed – Depending on suspected disabilities, may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or specialized evaluations
Assessment Process: Beginning to End
The process includes:
· Referral for evaluation
· Parent consent
· Conducting the FIE
· Eligibility determination
· Development of the IEP if the student qualifies
· Ongoing progress monitoring