Special Education Evaluation and Qualification

A series of reviews, tests and surveys determine a student’s qualification for special education. There are, however, a number of things that happen before the special education evaluation and qualification process starts.

Before special education evaluation and qualification

A school can recommend special education testing. However, 2 actions must take place before a recommendation:

• Firstly, the school should document issues. In other words, write down what is disrupting your child’s forward progress in school.
• Secondly, the school should try to help your child with their educational issues. Your child’s response to the general education help should be documented. These are general education interventions.

Special education does not exist for schools to use as a catch-all for academically challenged students. Rather, the school must first take steps to help a student. In this way, their first course of action is to help the student catch up to their peers.

What should I see as documentation?

Documentation may come in many forms. For example:

• grade reports
• attendance records
• behavior reports
• teacher/administration meetings
• intervention plans
• doctor’s diagnosis
• anecdotal data, parental concerns, etc.

What are general education interventions?

A general education intervention is an action plan. In other words, it is a plan to help a student overcome challenges in school. As such, it can include things like tutoring, or extra teaching support. Remember, the goal is to try to catch your student up to their peers before special education is considered. However, if your student continues to struggle, their educational team may suggest a special education evaluation.

Parent consent before evaluation

Before your student is tested for special education, a few things need to happen. The school will ask you to sign a Consent for Evaluation form. Your signature means you agree to the evaluations, or tests, suggested. Testing will not begin until the district has received the signed consent form from you.

If you have questions, reach out to the person preparing to test your student. Email your questions to the evaluator. Emailing is better than calling. It documents your concerns, and documents the responses to your concerns. These may be needed for future reference. You can revoke your consent at any time, in writing.

You will also receive the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. This notice is a booklet for you to read that details parental rights. You do not have to sign or return this booklet. It is for you to keep.

What will the special education evaluation involve?

A special education evaluation is a set of tests or reviews. These tests help to collect information on your student’s abilities. Such as:

• academic knowledge
• communication strengths
• problem solving skills
• physical abilities

Some or all of these reviews may be completed in several different formats. A special educator will work with your child to complete the tasks. Additionally, there may be surveys for you, your child, and teachers to fill out. 

The school is required to complete the evaluations and hold an evaluation summary meeting within 90 days. Federal law sets the standard for evaluation timelines, however, implementation may vary slightly by district and state. You should receive a written or emailed invitation to the meeting. A draft of the evaluation document will be provided to you at the meeting. In this meeting, evaluation results are presented and explained. Finally, your child’s qualification for special education will be discussed.

Conclusion – You are part of the team!

Special education qualification can be confusing. However, special education shouldn’t be considered until other steps are completed. Remember, you know your child the best. You are your child’s biggest supporter. It is important that you:

• Understand student legal rights
• Familiarize yourself with the steps that should take place
• Understand parental rights

You are part of the team! Stay informed and ask a lot of questions.

For more about the North Carolina referral process, look up information on the Disability Rights North Carolina site.