Special Education and Health Services

What is a Student Study Team?

A Student Study Team (SST) is a school-based, problem-solving group whose purpose is to discuss an individual student's strengths and needs and to determine interventions to best meet those needs. Interventions should be implemented for a period of time and then the team should reconvene to discuss the student's progress.

The SST can include the parent, principal, other administrator, classroom teacher, psychologist, counselor, or special education teacher. Parent concerns and student needs are often successfully addressed through the SST process. If suggested interventions and strategies do not adequately address student needs, the SST and/or parent may request an assessment for special education.

How will my child be assessed for special education?

Upon receipt of your (parent) written request for assessment, arrangements will be made to have your child’s strengths and needs evaluated. This will be done through assessment and conferences held among those who work with your child. The participants in this assessment process may include teachers, psychologists, nurses, counselors, therapists, and others.

No assessment will be conducted without the written permission of the child’s parent or guardian. An assessment report will be completed and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting will be held within sixty (60) days of the date the signed assessment plan is received by the district.

What is an assessment plan?

An assessment plan is developed by the school staff and indicates in which areas the student is to be assessed. The assessment plan will include any areas of suspected disability and will indicate the title of the staff members who will conduct the assessments. The assessment team is typically made up of the school psychologist, special education teacher, and school nurse; however, other specialists can be included if additional areas of assessment are appropriate.

What is an Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting?

After the assessment has been completed, the parent or guardian will be invited to attend an IEP meeting. The date and time of the meeting is mutually set by all participants. The IEP team is made up of the parent or guardian, a school administrator, a teacher, and a member who is able to present and explain the results of the assessments. The parent or guardian is free to invite other persons to this meeting, such as a representative from an outside agency or a person who has had experience with IEPs. At the IEP meeting, district staff will discuss the student's present levels of performance as well as the results of the current assessment. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, give input, and become fully informed as to their child’s strengths and challenges.

After the assessment information is presented and discussed, the members of the IEP team will determine the student’s eligibility for special education services in accordance with state and federal guidelines. If the student is found eligible for special education, the team will determine what goal areas would be appropriate and reasonable for the student to make progress. The team will determine the appropriate services and placement to address these goals. If needed, accommodations and modifications to the instructional program will also be determined to assist with student success. Special education services are only provided if the parent signs in agreement, giving consent to the educational program. If at the end of the meeting you as a parent continue to have questions or concerns about the educational program, members of the team will help to clarify the plan.

What if my child is found ineligible for special education?

The district is obligated to follow the guidelines for student eligibility as set out by state and federal law. Special education is designed to serve students with significant disabilities which adversely affect their educational performance. If a student is not identified as having a disability or disabilities under the state and federal guidelines, the IEP team will suggest interventions and strategies that can be utilized to address student needs. Corcoran Unified School District provides interventions through response to intervention programs as well as a multi-tiered systems of support to address areas of need for a student.

What are my parent rights?

Parents are notified of their rights at various stages throughout the IEP process and at least annually. Parents’ rights include the right to be a participant in an IEP; the right to request an IEP meeting; the right to review assessment information; the right to have their eligible child receive free and appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment. Obtain a copy of your parent rights through the following links:

• Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards - English
• Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards - Spanish
• Medi-Cal Written Notification of Use of Benefits - English
• Medi-Cal Written Notification of Use of Benefits - Spanish