Identification/Evaluation Planning Meeting
The identification/evaluation planning meeting concludes the referral process to the CST. At the meeting, a determination will be made regarding whether or not evaluation for special education or speech/language services is warranted. If an evaluation is warranted, the necessary evaluation(s) will be discussed. The evaluations are provided at no cost to the parent and completed in the student’s native language when appropriate or when necessary. Parent/guardian consent is required before evaluation(s) can begin. The parent has the right to refuse consent or withdraw consent at any time. If the school district disagrees with this action, it may invoke a due process hearing.
Parents will be provided with copies of the district’s completed evaluation reports 10 days prior to the eligibility meeting. Parent(s) may have obtained private evaluations at their own expense before or during the evaluation timeframe. If the parent(s) wish to share this information with the school personnel, it will be taken into consideration in identifying the student as being eligible for services and, if appropriate, in planning the program.
Evaluation to Determine Eligibility for Special Education
The evaluation shall include assessments by at least two members of the CST; and three CST members for preschoolers when speech is a concern. A hearing and vision screening by the school nurse is required. Other evaluations may include specialized medical evaluation(s), speech/language evaluation, occupational/physical therapy evaluation, and/or an audiological evaluation. The tests may be conducted by members of the CST or by practitioners contracted by the school district.
Evaluation to Determine Eligibility for Speech/Language Services
The evaluation shall include an assessment of voice, fluency and articulation. A hearing screening by the school nurse is required.
Eligibility Meeting
Upon completion of the evaluations, an eligibility meeting will be scheduled to determine whether the student is eligible for special education and related services or speech language services. Eligibility meeting participants will discuss the completed evaluations and any other pertinent information. The case manager will review the rational for determination of eligibility or non-eligibility. Should there be disagreement, parents should contact Director of Pupil Services.
There are 14 categories for special education eligibility: Auditory Impairment, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Communication Impairment, Emotional Regulation Impairment, Multiple Disabilities, Deaf/Blindness, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Preschool Child with a Disability, Social Maladjustment, Specific Learning Disability, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visual Impairment. A complete definition of each category can be found in N.J.A.C. 6A:14, Special Education.
Eligibility for speech/language services requires a disorder of articulation, voice or fluency that adversely affects educational performance.
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