Who is often the first to notice and request an evaluation?

Who is often the first to notice and request an evaluation?

• A. General education teachers
• B. Parents
• C. School counselors
• D. Principals

Answer: (A)

General education teachers are typically the first to notice and request an evaluation because they interact with students daily and observe how they perform relative to grade-level standards. They can see persistent academic or behavioral difficulties across the school day, document concerns, and initiate referrals for evaluation to determine if a disability requires special education services. In many schools, this process is supported by RTI, where teachers screen and monitor progress; if progress is insufficient despite high-quality instruction and targeted supports, a formal referral is made. Parents play a crucial role too, but the initial identification and request for evaluation most often come from the classroom teacher who directly observes the student's learning in the regular setting.

General education teachers are typically the first to notice and request an evaluation because they interact with students daily and observe how they perform relative to grade-level standards. They can see persistent academic or behavioral difficulties across the school day, document concerns, and initiate referrals for evaluation to determine if a disability requires special education services. In many schools, this process is supported by RTI, where teachers screen and monitor progress; if progress is insufficient despite high-quality instruction and targeted supports, a formal referral is made. Parents play a crucial role too, but the initial identification and request for evaluation most often come from the classroom teacher who directly observes the student's learning in the regular setting.