Summary of Special Education Process
Your Name
Grand Canyon University
SPD 500
February 17, 2016
February 17, 2016
Dear Parents,
This letter will inform you about all the steps needed in order to explain the special education process here in Delran, New Jersey.
Some terminology you may or may not be familiar with are:
1. I&RS team : Intervention and Referral Services team identifies the learning, behavior, and health difficulties of students.
2. IEP: Individualized education program
3. IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
These terms are very often used in the special education process. The first step to begin the special education process is a referral. It may be from a teacher, guidance counselor, school nurse, or family physician. The next step is the student is evaluated by the intervention and referral services team (I&RS) in all areas of the suspected disability. The I&RS team will then recommend interventions such as teaching methods, sensory items/ activities to be used to aid the child, maybe even basic skills or they may suggest a reading specialist. If these interventions do not seem to be working then the student is brought up again for a reevaluation to see if further services are needed, or if any progress is being made. If progress is not being made the child study team determines if a child qualifies for services. If the child is determined eligible for services an IEP must be written. An IEP meeting is held and parents are involved as part of the IEP team. The team of individuals involved in the special education process may be smaller (3 or 4) or large (up to 14 or 15). Some of these individuals may include: General education teacher, special education teacher, Principal, paraprofessional, psychologist, audiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, social worker, vocational rehabilitation counselor, school counselor, medical personnel, and family members. There must be at least a school psychologist, special educator, and a representative from general education. Once the IEP is written the child receives services. Every year progress is measured and reported to parents during an annual IEP meeting. Changes are made and goals are set for the upcoming school year.