New Fairfield Public School District

What happens when a teacher has concerns?

If a teacher has concerns with a child's school performance, he or she may request assistance from the school’s intervention team.  Such teams are designed to support teachers in developing strategies and suggestions for students who are experiencing difficulty in regular education. Throughout the implementation of instructional strategies and supports, student progress is monitored and the student’s school performance is evaluated to determine whether the alternative strategies are successful and should continue. Very often, many problems are resolved at this level.

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If, after a series of interventions, the team members believe a full evaluation may be necessary, they request a Planning and Placement Team meeting with the parents to discuss the need for evaluation. This is a formal process that follows state and federal guidelines, to which parents must be invited. This referral "starts the clock" with mandated timelines.

Special education law requires the school to meet strict time deadlines in evaluating a child and formulating an appropriate IEP. After the initial referral, the school must complete its evaluation and formulate an IEP, if appropriate, within 45 school days (excluding weekends, holidays, school vacations and the time required to obtain written parental consent). As is explained below, a parent may also initiate a referral that will "start the clock running." The initial referral that begins this 45-day period can take place at any time during the school year, even if there are not 45 days left before the end of the school year. In that case, the time remaining on the 45-day period when summer vacation begins will be counted starting the following fall when school reconvenes.

What happens when a parent has concerns?

The parent may also make a request for a special education evaluation by writing a letter to the teacher or guidance at the school your child attends. It is wise to date your request and keep a copy for your records. You may also verbally request a referral, however, a letter provides proof that a referral was indeed made. Upon the receipt of the request for evaluation, the team will meet to consider the request. A request for evaluation does not automatically trigger an evaluation. The team will meet and discuss the reasons for the request and determine if an evaluation is warranted. If the team decides to refer for evaluation, the same process outlined above would then be followed. If the parents disagree with the team's decision regarding the evaluation, they may refuse consent or exercise their due process rights.