IEP Process: STEP 2 -- Evaluation, Eligibility

Evaluation:
After the parent gives consent to evaluation, the school and parent work together to go through this process:
1. Review existing information (test scores, medical information, etc.)
- teacher made tests, benchmarks, school wide screening, classroom based observations, medical records
2. Look at special education law (IDEA) to see if the child qualifies for special education
3. Determine what services the child needs

This step includes assessment results and discussion of the assessment results with parents and the school.


Eligibility:
The team (parents, teachers and administrators) work together to review the assessments. They decide:
1. Whether the child should receive special education services
2. If he/she is eligible, what services does he/she need?

Again, in DC, the decision about eligibility must be made within 120 days of the initial referral by either the parent or the school.

This phase can be tricky because parents may feel as though they have nothing to contribute. Many parents have access to assessment results (i.e. medical records) and may not share them with the school. The more information provided during the evaluation phase, the better! Also, parents must advocate to ensure that the school is sharing and discussing assessment results.

If a student is determined eligible, he or she will move on to the next phase of the IEP process: IEP development meeting and placement recommendation.