Terms to help in the process...

RTI

• Response to Intervention (RTI) officially is the process by which the school determines and monitors how well a student responds to methods of instruction/assistance. It is a multidisciplinary approach involving any number of teachers, intervention or reading specialists, therapists, school psychologists, administrative officials and parents. Ideally it is used to quickly catch students before they fail, allowing educators to respond to their needs as individual students. More information may be found here. In our district this is a fluid process used to determine if a child is simply hitting a "speed bump" on her educational path that requires a little "tweak" from her teacher or if this a hill/mountain requiring a different set of tools.

MFE & ETR

• An Evaluation Team Report (ETR) follows a Multi-Factored Evaluation (MFE). MFE is the official process to determine if a child has special needs. Requiring parental consent, the MFE must be completed within 60 days. After completion, the team (educators, case manager, administration, school psychologist, therapists and all other pertinent personnel) meet with parents to determine needs and possibly develop a plan of action for the student. 

• https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Special-Education/Federal-and-State-Requirements/Procedures-and-Guidance/Evaluation/etr_process_chart-1.pdf.aspx

• http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/tutorials/multi-factored-evaluation-mfe

• https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/Federal-and-State-Requirements/Procedures-and-Guidance/Evaluation/Request-and-Referral-for-Initial-Evaluation#request_and_referral_for_initial_evaluation

IEP

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document assembled by the educational team (including parents) and reviewed at least once a year stating goals and provisions to help a child succeed.
• https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/ieps/understanding-individualized-education-programs

504

• A 504 Plan essentially documents recommended accommodations and modifications to help a child succeed within a standard (general education) classroom.
• https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/understanding-504-plans#item0

Child Find

• Essentially this is the legal requirement in place stating that every school district must do their part to identify those children from birth to age 21 who have a disability requiring special education. 
• https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/your-childs-rights/basics-about-childs-rights/child-find-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

IDEA

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed in 1975 and is a federal law designed to ensure kids with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. 
• Whose IDEA Procedures
• Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities