Evaluations of Students with Disabilities
If a parent believes that their child may have a disability, they should write to the principal of their child’s school. There are procedures in the district by which teams of teachers and parents can meet to discuss any concerns and proceed to evaluation steps if necessary. Any formal evaluations proposed by the district require parental consent. If a child is found to be disabled and in need of special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed with parental participation. In compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Pennsylvania State Special Education Regulations, parents are ensured of confidentiality of all appropriate student and family information.
Students who have a disability and do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may need accommodations under the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These students will be evaluated to determine what accommodations may be needed to allow them access to any school-related activity. Interested parent should write a letter to the principal of their child’s school.
Independent Educational Evaluation
According to Part 300 of the Federal Regulations § 300.502 parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation at the school district’s expense if they disagree with the evaluation completed by the school district. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not an employee of the East Penn School District. Parents may be eligible to receive an IEE at the school district’s expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation the district has conducted. A request for an IEE must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education within one year of the date issued on the district’s evaluation report.
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