Scenario: You are a dedicated teacher at Greenfield Middle School, known for your commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. Your class comprises diverse students with varying learning styles, needs, and abilities. One of your students, Alex, has been displaying a significant change in academic performance and behavior over the past few weeks. Alex's grades have dropped noticeably, and he often appears disengaged during lessons. Additionally, you've observed a decline in his social interactions and an increase in disruptive behaviors, such as frequent outbursts and difficulty staying on task.

Task: Your objective is to understand the legalities of both the academic and behavior assessment process by synthesizing the meaning of federal regulations and ethical considerations. In this scenario, you need to consider the steps you should take to refer Alex for academic and behavioral assessments, ensuring that you navigate the process in compliance with federal regulations and ethical guidelines.

1. How can you effectively communicate with Alex's parents or guardians about the referral for assessment what information should you share with them, and how can you address any concerns they may have?