ABSTRACT
The most critical part of providing special education services to students with disabilities is outlined in the assessment and individual educational program (IEP) process. This is how students are identified as possibly needing services, referred for eligibility, and evaluated to determine whether they are eligible for special education. Prior to making a formal referral for special education services, schools should implement pre-referral interventions, which are professional problem-solving efforts. These are actions that teachers can take, aimed at alleviating the student's problems so a formal referral will not have to be made and usually include teachers talking with their colleagues about students having difficulties. IEPs are not developed by one person; they are developed by a team of individuals who represents the school and parents. In some districts IEPs are primarily written by the individual responsible for conducting the assessment or the special education teacher. Principals and teachers play a critical role in the IEP process, from referral through service delivery.
