If a child is struggling in school, having social or behavioral problems, or if you suspect they have one of the 13 categories of special education, I can request an evaluation. Some school districts recommend a Student Study Team (SST) before conducting an evaluation. To qualify for Special Education services, a child must meet the three-prong test which includes:

1) a qualifying disability from the 13 categories;

2) a discrepancy between cognitive ability (learning potential) and academic achievement; and 3) the child requires Special Education services to "access" the general education curriculum for educational benefit. If the IEP team determines that the child does not qualify for services under IDEA, the child may qualify for accommodations (legally required in the classroom) under Section 504 of the American Disabilities Act of 1973.

Respond

respond with a reflection of how I, as a teacher, can understand the eligibility process, the differences between a 504 and IEP, and provided an example. The example of a personal experience can be either positive or negative and relate to eligibility, the IEP process, IEP roles, or 504 process.

In addition, reflect by answering the following questions:

• How can I learn more about the IEP and 504 process?
• What difficulties may I experience as a general education teacher or special education teacher in the eligibility process? Consider a student you would need to qualify for services.
• What would I do if I disagree with an IEP team member's opinion?