So You Think Your Student Has a Disability... Now What?

Steps to take if your student may have a disability. Learn how to identify and help your students.

A student struggling with reading, math, or other school activities may have a disability. As you begin to collect and analyze data on your students early in the school year, you need to know how to determine if a student qualifies for an IEP. Instead of wondering, you can take specific steps to identify the signs and refer your student for a special education evaluation.

Taking action now will enable you to help students early in the school year, ensure they receive the services they need quickly, and prepare them for success in 2022–23.

• What steps does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act require?
• What attributes are associated with the most common disabilities?
• How should you initiate a special education referral?
• What data should you gather?
• What information can parents provide to support child find practices?
• How should you discuss potential referrals with parents?