Special education evaluations surge amid rising student needs

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant increase in special education referrals and evaluations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of evaluations has nearly doubled, rising from 120 in 2021 to an estimated 225 last year, largely due to an influx of new students and a rise in parent-initiated evaluations.

The meeting highlighted the complexities involved in the evaluation process, particularly the need to reassess students every three years to determine their eligibility for special education services. This includes evaluating whether students require additional support or if they have graduated and will transition to a 504 plan or an Education Support Team (EST) plan.

Officials noted that while the number of initial evaluations has decreased, the eligibility rates have also dropped, indicating a more stringent evaluation process. For instance, only 33 out of 507 referrals in the 2023-2024 school year resulted in eligibility for special education services. This trend reflects a commitment to accurately identifying students with disabilities while balancing the need for timely evaluations within a federally mandated 60-day timeline.

The meeting also addressed the challenges posed by the new requirements for documenting eligibility, which have made compliance more difficult. The Wyndham Southeast Educational Evaluation Support Team (WEST) has been instrumental in facilitating evaluations, ensuring that appropriate data is gathered and eligibility results are documented efficiently.

In addition to discussing school-age evaluations, the meeting touched on early childhood special education processes. Unlike the school-age evaluations, early childhood assessments focus on developmental delays and do not require the same adverse effect criteria. The team emphasized the importance of family involvement and support throughout the evaluation process, which has been well-received by parents.

Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to improve the special education evaluation process, ensuring that students receive the necessary support while adhering to regulatory requirements.