Evaluating students in the private school or home school setting requires more than just clinical skill—it requires mastery of "District of Location" vs. "District of Residence" rules and strict adherence to Texas-specific timelines. This session addresses the unique challenges of the private school referral, with a Enrollment (FAPE) versus Proportionate Share (Services Plans). Participants will gain a framework for conducting comprehensive evaluations (FIEs) when traditional MTSS/RTI data is unavailable, ensuring that the "evaluation approach" is as robust as a public school referral while respecting the private school context.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Clarify Child Find Jurisdictions: Identify which district is responsible for the evaluation (District of Residence vs. District of Location) based on current Texas guidelines.
- Distinguish and Differentiating Service Delivery Model Options: Differentiate between Dual Enrollment (where a 3- or 4-year-old receives FAPE via an IEP) and Proportionate Share (where a student receives limited services via a Services Plan). Articulate the legal distinctions between a student’s right to FAPE (if they enroll in public school) and the Proportionate Share services available if they remain in a private placement.
- Manage Texas Evaluation Timelines: Apply the 45-school-day (initial evaluation) and 30-calendar-day (initial ARD) timelines specifically within the context of private school calendars and access.
- Synthesize Non-Traditional Data: Develop strategies for gathering "Equivalent Data" from private providers and teachers to satisfy the requirement for "prior interventions" and "current levels of performance."
- Adapt Assessment Approaches: Select assessment tools and observation protocols that are appropriate for the private school environment to ensure an ecological view of the student’s needs.
- Navigate Eligibility Post-Evaluation: Lead ARD/IEP meetings that clearly document the offer of FAPE while navigating the development of individual Service Plans for eligible students. Correctly document the "Offer of FAPE" for parentally placed students, even when the parent has expressed they will not enroll in public school.
- Strengthen Consultation Practices: Implement strategies for the required "timely and meaningful consultation" between LEAs and private school representatives.
This session is free to members of the Special Education Cooperative.