Which is the first step in the process for special education evaluations?

Which is the first step in the process for special education evaluations?

• A. Comprehensive evaluation
• B. Eligibility determination
• C. Referral
• D. Signed informed consent

Answer: (C)

Starting the process is prompted by a concern about a student’s needs that leads to a referral for an evaluation. This referral kicks off the formal steps to determine eligibility for special education services. After a referral, the next required action is obtaining parental consent before any testing can occur, since evaluating a student requires parental authorization. Once consent is secured, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility. If the student is found eligible, an IEP process follows. So, the first step is the referral because it signals the start of the formal evaluation pathway; the other steps (consent, evaluation, and eligibility determination) come after that point.

Starting the process is prompted by a concern about a student’s needs that leads to a referral for an evaluation. This referral kicks off the formal steps to determine eligibility for special education services. After a referral, the next required action is obtaining parental consent before any testing can occur, since evaluating a student requires parental authorization. Once consent is secured, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility. If the student is found eligible, an IEP process follows.

So, the first step is the referral because it signals the start of the formal evaluation pathway; the other steps (consent, evaluation, and eligibility determination) come after that point.