Definition: Making a referral for special education programs under IDEA or Section 504 is the formal process of requesting assessment for learning disabilities to determine eligibility for special education services or accommodations under Section 504.
Referrals for special education testing should be submitted to the school in writing, and parents or teachers making referrals should keep a copy of the written request. In the request for a referral for special education testing, include background information on the child, including reasons you think he may have a learning disability. Include copies of any additional information related to your child's educational difficulties such as copies of test results, grades, information from a doctor, or outside assessments if available. Place your copies of the referral information in a safe filing place such as a special education notebook.
Back to Special Education and Learning Disability Terms
Also Known As: request for special education testing
Common Misspellings: referal
Examples:
You can begin the process of determining if your child has a learning disability by submitting a referral for special education testing to your child's school administrator.
