The Special Education Process

Referral of an individual newborn to 21 years of age for an evaluation through the Alexander City School System may be made by anyone who has knowledge of or interest in the child.  Anyone 3 to 21 years of age may be referred to the local educational agency (LEA) for an evaluation.  Referrals will be received and acted upon year round.

After a referral is made, it will be reviewed by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team to determine whether the child should be evaluated for eligibility and the need for special education services.  If the IEP Team determines that an evaluation is needed, Notice and Consent for Initial Evaluation must be given by the parent/guardian.  No individual evaluations may be administered without parental consent.  After obtaining parental consent, a vision and hearing screening is conducted to rule out any vision or hearing problems that may be the cause of a learning problem.  Next, individual evaluations are conducted as outlined by the IEP Team.  When the evaluations are completed, the IEP Team, which includes the parent/guardian, will review all available information to determine eligibility for special education services.  If the child is eligible according to the Alabama Code guidelines, an Individualized Education Plan will be developed for the child.  Parental permission must be given before special education services can be provided for the child. 

Parent participation is a required part of the special education process.  In order to ensure active participation, accommodations must be made at all meetings for non-English speaking parents or guardians and parents or guardians that are hearing impaired. Regarding parents or guardians of English Language students, accommodations must include a translator for oral communication, as well as written communication that is in the parent’s native language. 

Regarding parents or guardians that are hearing impaired, an interpreter must be provided if necessary.