How to request a special education evaluation.

If your child is enrolled in the Tulsa Public School District, and you are concerned about his or her academic progress, first contact the regular classroom teacher. The teacher will listen to your concerns and may refer your child to the school's Child Study Team. This team of professionals may develop an intervention plan or behavioral strategies to help your child improve classroom performance. Modifications and adaptions may be attempted in an effort to overcome any academic difficulties. If the modifications are not successful, the Child Study Team may recommend a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine your child's current educational needs.

If an Evaluation is Recommended for your Child

A multidisciplinary evaluation may be recommended for your child if he or she has significant difficulty accessing appropriate educational services due to a possible disability. The regular classroom teacher or school counselor will contact you to discuss the evaluation recommendation. You will be asked to complete some referral paperwork and sign a Consent for Evaluation form. The school nurse will conduct a vision and hearing screening. A speech-language (SEE SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT UNDER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES )screening may also be completed if the school team suspects possible speech or language impairments. A school psychometrist, psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or other certified school personnel may administer several different standardized tests or inventories, depending on the suspected disability of your child.

The Evaluation is Complete...now what?

The school will contact you to schedule a meeting. During this meeting, school personnel will discuss the test results and describe your child's academic strengths and educational needs. Your input is very important during this meeting. As a member of the team, you will have an opportunity to discuss your concerns about your child's academic difficulties. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the evaluations or test results. Together, you and the school staff will consider all the options for your child and will determine if special education and related services are needed.

What is an IEP?

If you and the school team decide that special education and related services are needed for your child, then an Individualized Education Program (SEE PARENT IEP RESOURCES BELOW), also known as an IEP, will be developed. An IEP is a written plan for the special education and related services of a student with a disability. It describes your child's present levels of performance, strengths and weaknesses, and what you and the school will do to address his or her educational needs. This plan will include specific annual goals and short term objectives that the team expects your child to be able to achieve. It also indicates the amount of service that your child will receive. Any related services needed for your child, such as speech-language therapy, will also be indicated on the IEP. This IEP must be reviewed at least once a year.

PEAK Parent Center

Oklahoma has contracted with Peak Parent center to develop new parent resource centers in our state. Visit their website for more information.

Federal Child Find Statement

Every child with special needs has a right, by law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), to a free and appropriate education. This includes children and adults (0-21) with physical, mental, emotional or learning handicaps. This is an attempt to locate these children in order to assist in providing the services to which they are entitled.

If you know of a child with a disability living in the Tulsa Public School District in need of service, please contact:

Greg James
Tulsa Public Schools Education Service Center
3027 S. New Haven, Tulsa, OK. 74147-0208
Phone: (918) 746-6390

Frequently Asked Child Find Questions

 

How do I know if my child needs a special education evaluation?

Some parents may suspect that their child needs a special education evaluation if they observe frequent, significant academic difficulties with regular classroom assignments. Their child may be struggling with homework and receiving grades which are below average. Their skills may appear to be delayed when compared to other students of the same age.

Who do I contact with questions about special programs?

The regular classroom teacher is the first person you should contact with questions about your child's education. If you continue to have unanswered questions, ask your child's school principal for assistance. If you need additional help you may contact the special education coordinator for your school.

How do I have my child tested for special education?

Parents who are concerned about their child's academic achievement, and suspect their child has a disability, should first contact the regular classroom teacher. The teacher will listen to your concerns and may refer your child to the school's Child Study Team. This team of professionals may develop an intervention plan or behavioral strategies to help your child improve classroom performance. Modifications and adaptions may be attempted in an effort to overcome any academic difficulties. If the modifications are not successful, the Child Study Team may recommend a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine your child's current educational needs. If an evaluation is needed, the teacher will ask you to complete some permission forms. These forms will allow school personnel to conduct the evaluations that will determine the presence or absence of any suspected disabilities. Once the evaluation is complete, the school staff will contact you to discuss the results. If your child qualifies for services, you will participate as part of the team to develop an Individualized Education Program.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program, also known as an IEP, is a written plan for special education and related services of a student with a disability. It describes your child's present academic strengths and weaknesses, and what you and the school will do to address their educational needs. Every child with a disability must have an IEP developed at least once a year.

Why doesn't my child qualify for special education services?

The State of Oklahoma has specific disability categories(SEE GENERAL DISABILITY CATEGORIES UNDER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES), and specific qualifying criteria for special education services. Sometimes, a student may be experiencing some academic difficulties, but does not demonstrate a significant handicapping condition that interferes with his or her classroom performance. This student may benefit from modifications or adaptions which can help him/her achieve success at school without being placed in special education.

Link to Oklahoma State Department of Education

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is a type of service delivery in which students with disabilities receive their primary placement in chronologically age appropriate regular education classrooms. Necessary supports and services may be provided to enable these students to achieve their expected potential and experience academic success. Inclusion may be considered by the educational team for any student who has an IEP, regardless of their type of disability. It differs from traditional "pull-out" programs since the student with disabilities is not removed from the regular classroom to receive special education instruction.