District Process for Determination of a Specific Learning Disability
 

Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses Process:

The district uses a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses Process for the determination of a Specific Learning Disability for all buildings and all grades in the district and includes the following:
 

  1. The student does not achieve adequately for the student’s age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified at 34 CFR §300.309(a)(1)(i) when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the student’s age or State-approved grade-level standards; and
  2. The student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined by the MET to be relevant to the identification of a SLD, using appropriate assessments, consistent with the IDEA Evaluation Procedures and Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations.
     

Referral and Evaluation Process
 

1.

Persons who suspect a child may have a disability that interferes with learning may make a referral for evaluation. Parents, teachers, social workers, licensed physicians, nurses, foster parents or other agencies may initiate the process by:

 
  • Contacting the child's teacher
  • Contacting the building principal
  • Contacting the school counselor
  • Contacting the Special Education Office
2. An Evaluation Review meeting will be scheduled. The Individual Educational Planning Team members at the Evaluation Review will include the parents and qualified professionals. At that meeting, existing information/evaluations as well as classroom-based information and observations will be reviewed. Based on the review, the team will identify what additional information, if any, is needed to determine whether your child has a particular category of disability, or in the case of a reevaluation, if they continue to have such a disability.
3. If the IEP Team determines after an Evaluation Review that additional information is needed, the parents will be asked to sign a Special Education Referral and Consent form. ALL REFERRALS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING. Once your written consent is received, the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team will conduct testing within thirty (30) school days.
4. Once the MET evaluations are completed, a written MET report with eligibility recommendations is presented at an IEPT meeting. Using the MET information, the IEPT determines whether or not your child is eligible for Special Education and how his/her educational needs will be met.

 

Section 504


Nick Hamilton
Director of Special Education

504 coordinator
501 Burcham Dr.
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone - 517-333-7461
Fax - 517-333-5098
nick.hamilton@elps.us