All referrals for special education evaluation must be in writing. Written referrals are given to the school psychologist who documents the date of receipt.  If the referral is made by a person other than the child's parent(s) the person who receives the referral verifies that the parents were informed that a referral would be made.  The psychologist may act as case manager or designate another person to do so.  For speech only cases, the designated speech therapist will act as case manager.

Based on information available the referral shall be routed through the principal's office to the IEP team case manager who will determine the initial composition of the IEP team to conduct the evaluation.  The IEP team, at a minimum, includes the child's regular education teacher; a special education teacher with recent experience and training in the area(s) of suspected disability, an LEA representative, and the child's parents.

The case manager completes and sends to the parents a Notice of Intent to Evaluate.  That notice identifies the purpose of the evaluation and the members of the IEP team.

The case manager facilitates communication among all members of the IEP team to determine what assessments need to be done to make a determination of the child's eligibility for special education.  The determination is based on available existing reports and records. The IEP team may meet or the case manager may facilitate communication among the team members to make the determination.  Parents will be involved through either an in-person meeting or by telephone, as appropriate. 

If the IEP team determines that additional tests are needed, a Notice and Consent Regarding Need to Conduct Additional Tests is sent to the parents seeking their consent for the evaluation.  If there is not a response within two weeks, another copy of the notice is sent to the parents.  If there is no response within another two weeks, a telephone call is made to the parents to see if there is a problem and to remind the parents of the need for their consent.  If additional tests are not needed an A-7 (Reevaluation:  Notice that No Additional Tests are Needed) is sent and then the Invitation to a Meeting of the IEP Team (A-9) is mailed.

Upon receipt of parental consent, the IEP team members conduct the necessary assessments.  If, during the course of the evaluation, members of the IEP team determine that additional assessments are needed, that information is provided to the parents on a revised copy of the earlier notice.