The evaluation group and the parent will determine whether or not the student is a special education student.

• A student is not eligible if the determinant factor is lack of appropriate instruction in reading or math, based upon the state’s grade level expectations or limited English proficiency.
• Eligibility may be determined by documented professional judgment when:



• Properly validated tests are unavailable; or
• Corroborating evidence indicates that results were influenced due to measuring a disability.



• The parent will be provided with a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility.
• Parents will also be provided with prior written notice of the eligibility decision within ten school days of the decision. The special education department is responsible for sending the notice.
• Students remain eligible for special education services until one of three events occur:



• The student is determined through a reevaluation to no longer be eligible for special education;
• The student has met the district’s high school graduation requirements; or
• The student has reached age 21. A special education student, whose 21st birthday occurs after August 31, shall continue to be eligible for special education and any necessary related services for the remainder of the school year.

When a special education student is expected to graduate prior to age 21, or when graduation is part of the transition plan, the IEP team will document a student’s progress towards achieving course credits towards graduation on the transition portion of the IEP*. The district will provide prior written notice to parents and adult students that the student is expected to graduate and will no longer be eligible for special education services. The district will also provide the parents and student with a summary of academic achievement and functional performance and recommendations to assist the student with postsecondary goals.

District procedures for granting high school graduation credits for students with disabilities can be found in IKF-R.

*See the Special Education Terms & Definitions page for more information.

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