Schools Quiz 1

What is a referral in special education?

A formal written request asking the school district to evaluate a student for special education services

Who usually receives the referral request?

The Child Study Team (CST) or the Director of Special Services

Who can submit a referral?

A parents (usually via a signed letter), or sometimes the school

What concerns must be stated in a referral?

Academic, social-emotional, and/or developmental concerns

Is a specific district form required for a referral?

Not always - a signed parent letter is generally sufficient

How many days does the district have to hold an initial/referral meeting?

Within 20 calendar days of receiving the request

What document is sent home after the referral meeting?

A letter and a copy of PRISE

What is the purpose of the identification meeting?

To review existing information and decide if a formal evaluation is warranted

When must the identification meeting occur?

Within 20 calendar days of receiving the referral (excluding school holidays)

Who attends the identification meeting?

Parents

CST members (school psychologist, LDTC, school social worker)

General education teachers

What must the parent do at the identification meeting if testing is recommended?

Sign consent to evaluate the student

Can parents take the consent home before signing?

Yes, they can sign immediately or take it home to discuss

What paperwork must be copied after the identification meeting?

Signed consent (if obtained)

Attendance sheet

Copy of the code

What happens if the team decides testing is NOT needed?

The process stops

What happens once parental consent to evaluate is signed?

The 90-day timeline begins

How long does the district have to complete the evaluation process?

90 calendar days from the date consent is obtained

What must be completed within the 90 days?

Testing

Written reports

Eligibility meeting

Implementation of the IEP (if eligible)

What is an evaluation plan?

A written plan outlining the assessments and procedures to be used

How many assessments are required in an evaluation?

At least two assessments by CST members or other specialists in all suspected areas of disability

What types of tests must be used in evaluations?

Appropriate standardized tests

When is a functional academic or behavioral assessment used?

When needed, including observation by a CST member

When must evaluation reports be sent to parents?

10 days before the eligibility meeting

What is sent along with the evaluation reports?

An invitation to the eligibility meeting

What is the purpose of the eligibility conference?

To review evaluation results and determine special education eligibility

Who attends the eligibility meeting?

The CST and parents

What criteria must be met for eligibility?

The student must have a disability that adversely affects educational performance and requires special education and related services

What is developed if the student is found eligible?

A disability classification

Can a student be found eligible due to lack of instruction?

No

Can a student be found eligible due to limited English proficiency?

Noo

What happens if the student is NOT eligible?

The process ends

What happens if the student IS eligible and the parent agrees?

The team moves on to the IEP meeting

Is consent required to implement the initial IEP?

Yes

How often is an IEP reviewed after it starts?

Annually (once per year)

How often is a reevaluation conducted?

Every 3 years

What is required at EVERY meeting?

An attendance sheet

Caseload

number of students serviced by SLP

Workload

All activities provided and expected to be completed by the SLP in addition to direct treatment

What does “certified” mean in SLP?

Holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA

Is the CCC a national or state credential?

National professional credential

What does the CCC indicate about a clinician?

They have met rigorous academic and professional standards beyond minimum licensure

How does verification differ from licensure?

Certification goes beyond state licensure requirements and reflects advanced knowledge and skills

Are licensure requirements the same in every state?

No - all states are different

How long is the clinical internship required for NJ licensure?

9 months of full-time professional employment

Who must supervise the NJ clinical internship?

A licensed supervisor with ASHA CCC or equivalent

What exam is required for NJ licensure

The Praxis exam

What additional requirement must be completed for NJ licensure?

An online jurisprudence orientation

How often must the NJ jurisprudence orientation be completed?

Every 2 years

Do you need state licensure or ASHA certification to work in NJ schools?

Nooo

What credential IS required to work as an SLP in NJ schools?

SLS (Speech-Language Specialist) certification

What is the NJ Tiered Systems of Supports (NJTSS) based on?

A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and response to intervention (RTI)

What is the purpose of NJTSS?

To provide a systematic, consistent approach to prevention, intervention, and enrichment to improve student outcomes

What are the three tiers of NJTSS?

1 - Universal supports for all students

2 - Targeted supplemental support within the classroom

3 - Intensive support, often involving pull-out services

Why is tier 2 considered especially important?

It provides extra support without an IEP and can reduce special education referrals

Name several key components of NJTSS

Leadership

Family/community engagement

Positive school climate

High-quality instruction

Universal screening

Data-based decision making

Collaboration

Progress monitoring

Professional development

What is universal screening in NJTSS?

Screening all students at each grade level to identify learning needs early

Why is data-based decision making important in NJTSS?

It ensures supports and interventions are driven by student performance, not assumptions

What is the purpose of intervention and referral services (I&RS)?

To identify and address academic, behavioral, or health difficulties using data-driven interventions

Who can refer a student to the I&RS committee?

Teachers or parents

Who may be part of the I&RS team?

Teachers

Administrators

Guidance counselor

CST members

School nurse

Related service providers

Parents

What does the I&RS committee do?

Develop, implement, and review action plans and interventions throughout the school year

Who qualifies for a Section 504 plan?

A student with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity

What is the goal of Section 504 in schools?

To provide FAPE (free appropriate public education) and allow students to remain in general education classrooms with needed accommodations

Does having a diagnosis automatically qualify a student for a 504 plan?

No - the impairment must impact learning or education

What are the main steps in the special education process

Identification

Evaluation

Eligibility meeting

IEP meeting

Services

Progress monitoring

Annual review

Triennial reevaluation

Why must SLP goals align with educational standards?

To ensure therapy supports classroom demands, functional communication, and academic success

What should SLP intervention focus on in schools?

Grade-level standards

Evidence-based instruction

Appropriate accommodations

Collaboration

What are the Common Core State Standards?

Evidence-based standards designed to prepare students for college and careers

Who developed the Common Core State Standards?

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association

Are Common Core standards fixed?

No - they are not static and may change as practices improve

How did ESSA affect Common Core?

It gave states more flexibility in implementing standards