Referral & Evaluation Process

Student Performance and Outcome Data

The District shall collect and review data on student performance to determine progress toward program objectives.
Evaluation shall include:

• Progress made toward annual goals as documented in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs);
• Performance on state and local assessments, including alternate assessments where applicable;
• Graduation, completion, and dropout rates for students with disabilities;
• Post-secondary outcomes including higher education enrollment, employment, or other training;
• Attendance, behavioral, and disciplinary data.

Instructional and Programmatic Quality

The District shall assess the quality of instructional and support services provided through:

• Review of fidelity of IEP implementation;
• Evaluation of access to the general education curriculum and inclusive settings;
• Analysis of placements in the least restrictive environment (LRE);
• Monitoring of the use of research-based instructional methodologies and interventions;
• Review of special education teacher and service provider qualifications, certifications, and ongoing professional development.

Stakeholder Input

Evaluation activities shall include the collection of feedback from key stakeholders to assess the responsiveness
and effectiveness of services. This may include:

• Surveys or interviews of parents/guardians of students with disabilities;
• Input from students, where developmentally appropriate;
• Feedback from general and special education teachers, service providers, and building administrators.

Compliance Monitoring

The District shall review compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including:

• Timely completion of IEPs and reevaluations;
• Adherence to procedural safeguards and timelines;
• Corrective action plans as required by the State Education Department (SED) or through internal audit
• processes;
• Participation in required monitoring activities and data reporting through NYSED’s Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) process.