What is an evaluation?
An evaluation is the process used to determine if a child has a disability and if special education is needed. The evaluation looks at how a child learns, the kinds of instruction that would be successful and the kinds of instruction that have been tried and have not resulted in success.
Can I ask for an evaluation?
Yes. You may ask your school to evaluate your child for special education at any time. This can be done by sending a letter to the principal of your child’s school. A “Permission to Evaluate” form will be sent to you.
When are reevaluations done?
A reevaluation is conducted at least every three years unless your child is disabled due to mental retardation, in which case, reevaluations are conducted at least every two years.
Can I request a reevaluation?
Yes.
What is an individualized education program (IEP)?
The plan written by an IEP team (including parents) that specifically describes the programs and services necessary for a free and appropriate public education for the child with a disability.
My child has an IEP but does not seem to be making progress. What can I do?
Request that the IEP team reconvene to address the concerns.
Can a behavior management plan be included in an IEP?
Yes.
What is extended school year?
Extended school year (ESY) services are special education and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond the regular 180-day school year. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, says that school districts, intermediate units, and charter schools must provide extended school year services if a student needs these services to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). In some cases, interruptions in the school schedule, such as summer break, will result in children with disabilities losing many of their basic skills and taking a long time to regain those skills once school is back in session. Extended school year services are provided during breaks in the educational schedule to prevent this loss.
What is a functional behavior assessment?
A functional behavior assessment is a team process consisting of informant interviewing, direct observation with data collection, and an analysis of all information gathered.
This results in the development of a specific, clear description of the behavior of concern, identification of the environmental factors that correspond with occurrences of the behavior, and the development of a hypothesis regarding the function the behavior is serving for the student.
The functional behavior assessment serves as the basis for the development of a behavior support plan that intervenes through changing environmental factors and consequences while providing instruction in the acquisition of new, more appropriate behaviors and the remediation of skill deficits.
What is least restrictive environment?
Supports and services are provided to an individual with disabilities according to a continuum of services hierarchy. The law states that the services must be provided in as close to the regular school environment as possible as designated by the individual education plan (IEP) team.
What is a gifted IEP?
The plan written by the gifted IEP team (including parents) that specifically describes the education to be provided to a gifted student.
What is a 504 service agreement?
Children who have disabilities, which substantially limit their participation in or access to school programs but who do not need special education, may qualify for reasonable accommodations in the regular classroom under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other Pennsylvania education regulations.
