Understanding Pre-referral Screening

Definition: Pre-referral screening involves short versions of tests for academics, learning aptitude, speech and language, or other areas of concern. These tests are given to your child before a formal referral for special education testing to diagnose a learning disability. Screenings determine:

• Academic weaknesses for formal response to intervention in the regular education program.
• If a learning disability may be present and if further testing is needed.
• If physical factors, such as visual acuity, vision problems, and hearing problems, are a concern.
• If significant behavioral problems or emotional conditions are impacting the student's learning.

The IDEA requires schools to address weaknesses before full assessment is conducted unless it is clearly not appropriate to delay testing. This ensures that students' learning problems are not because of inadequate instruction or other factors that could be addressed in regular education.

If your child is showing signs of learning disabilities, take this learning disability screening quiz to see if further testing may be needed.

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