Which sequence correctly represents the four steps in the process for special education evaluations?

• A. Referral, signed informed consent, comprehensive evaluation, eligibility determination
• B. Signed informed consent, referral, comprehensive evaluation, eligibility determination
• C. Referral, comprehensive evaluation, signed informed consent, eligibility determination
• D. Referral, eligibility determination, comprehensive evaluation, signed informed consent

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that evaluating a student for special education requires parental consent before any testing begins. The process starts with identifying a need and making a referral, then obtaining signed informed consent from the parent to conduct the evaluation. Once consent is in place, the school can carry out a comprehensive evaluation. After the evaluation is completed and data are gathered, the team determines eligibility for special education services.

That makes this sequence the best one: referral, signed informed consent, comprehensive evaluation, eligibility determination. The other sequences would place consent after testing or would try to determine eligibility without having a completed evaluation, which isn’t allowed.