After speaking to Mrs. Dugan about the Referral at Highland High School I learned some interesting facts.  I think the most important thing I learned about the process is the fact that the High School process is very different from that of the elementary school process.  Mrs. Dugan informed me that by the time most students are in high school they have already been diagnosed and have received or are receiving IEP’s.  She said it is very unusual that a student is referred at the High school level.  The only referrals she has ever seen at the High School Level have been referrals for students who have developed emotional or behavioral disorders.  While it is an uncommon practice, if a student needs consideration for special education a parent or guardian, teacher, administrator, or counselor can refer them.  Once the student is referred a meeting is held that includes the student’s current teacher, a special education teacher, and the person(s) who referred the child.  During the meeting the attendees discuss the problems facing the child and what has been tried and how long it was in place to help the child.  Once all problems are explained the attendees will work together as a team to figure out whether it is best to start the IEP process with the child, or if there are other things the child’s current teacher can do.  If the team decided that there are things the current teacher can do a timeline is set for the trial period.  If things have not improved one the time has ended the student will start the IEP process.

Graphic prvided by coe.jmu.edu/ SpecialEducation/