Referral for Special Education

Process

Once the district receives a written request for evaluation in any form/format, the district has 25 school days to review information about the student, including school records, medical records, and information from parents, and decide whether to evaluate the student for special education eligibility. If the district decides to evaluate the student for special education eligibility, it must obtain written and informed consent from the parent prior to beginning the initial evaluation. See below for a timeline:

1. Referral for special education evaluation
2. 25 school days to decide whether to evaluate. Will then send written notice with a decision. 
3. Written parental consent for evaluation
4. 35 school days to complete evaluation and determine eligibility 

If Student is determined eligible: 

1. 30 calendar days to develop Individualized Education Plan, parent consent for services
2. As soon as possible, services begin

See below for referral forms special education evaluation in various languages. 

Purpose

This form will help parents, district staff, public agencies, or other people with information about a student to request a special education evaluation (also called a “special education referral”). This form is not required – any written request for evaluation is valid.  The district may request the Parent Referral Form to be completed following a verbal email or other written request. It is important to note that the 25-day timeline described below starts as soon as the request is received, whether or not this form is used.