Anyone can ask the school to decide if a child needs special education. A parent/guardian, a teacher, a nurse or a doctor can ask. This is called a
referral. A referral must be written. A referral letter can be sent to the principal or special education director. A school has 90 calendar days from the date they get a referral to: 1) evaluate your child; 2) write an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for your child; 3) decide where your child will go to receive special education services.
The School District of Waukesha has put together an information sheet de
tailing Parent Information on the Referral Process.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has put out a publication entitled Parent and Child Rights Brochure. This brochure details the rights of parents and students during the evaluation process for special education.
Guide to Frequently Used Education Acronyms/Terms in Special Education
Updated 9/18/08
