Special Education Assessment and IEP Process

Culver City Unified School District provides academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support to all students through a Multi-Tiered Intervention System commonly referred to as MTSS.

Some students may need additional support. The special education evaluation process determines whether or not your child is eligible for special education services and if so, what services are most appropriate for your child.

The IEP process consists of four primary elements:

Referral for Assessment
Evaluation and Eligibility Determination
IEP Development (if your student is eligible)
Periodic review and update of the IEP

Referral for Assessment

Parents and guardians can refer their child for an assessment for special education services.

The request must be made in writing.
Within 15 days of receiving your written request, the school will respond.
The response may be a proposed assessment plan or a formal letter (Prior Written Notice) explaining why an assessment is not recommended at this time.

An assessment plan describes the types and purposes of the assessments which will be used to determine if your child is eligible for special education services.
Teachers and other school personnel can also recommend your child for an assessment.
The school can only assess your child after we receive your signature on the assessment plan consenting to the assessment.

After the school receives your consent to assess your student, the school has 60 days to complete the evaluation.
The 60 day timeline pauses if there are school vacations that are longer than 5 days.

Eligibility Determination

The special education assessment process can take up to 60 days.
The assessment process cannot start until the parent or education rights holder agrees or consents to the assessment plan.
The assessment involves gathering information about your child to determine if they have a disability and if, as a result of the disability, your child requires specialized academic instruction or related services.
The assessment may include
- individual testing using a variety of tests
- observation
- interviews with the parent and/or child
- review of school records, reports, and work samples
After the assessment process, a report summarizing the assessment findings will be written and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting will be held to discuss it.
Parent/guardian is an equal member of the IEP team and will be part of the discussion.
The IEP team will use the assessment results along with all other sources of data described to determine if your child is eligible for and may benefit from special education services.
If your child is eligible for special education services, an IEP will be developed during the meeting.
If your child is not eligible for special education services, the team may make other recommendations such as a 504 plan or classroom accommodations.

IEP Development

If your child is eligible for special education services, an IEP will be developed during the meeting.
An IEP is a written document that describes your child's strengths and needs. It is developed by the IEP Team.
The IEP Team will include at least the following people:
- You, the parent or guardian
- School administrator or designee
- A general education teacher
- A special education teacher.
Other school personnel may also attend. These may include:
- School psychologist
- Service providers such as Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT)
As parent or guardian, you are welcome to invite other people to attend the IEP with you, such as other family members, etc.
The IEP contains information such as (partial listing):
- Your child's strengths and needs which is sometimes called their present levels of performance
- Annual goals
- Services the school will provide
- Description of where the services will be provided
- How and when the school will measure and report on your child's progress.
Your child will begin receiving special education services after you provide consent to the IEP.
- You can consent to the entire IEP or to parts of the IEP.
- If you have any questions about providing consent or other concerns, you can reach out to your site team or the district office for assistance.

Periodic Review

An IEP is a written document that describes your child's strengths and needs. It is developed by the IEP Team.
The IEP team meets at least once a year to discuss and develop your child's IEP. This is called an Annual Plan Review.
The Assessment Process occurs every 3 years.
- The Triennial or Eligibility Evaluation process is very similar to the initial assessment process.
- You will be provided an assessment plan and asked to consent to the assessment process.
- The IEP team will meet to review the evaluation reports and determine if your child still qualifies for special education services.
You can request an IEP meeting at any time and the school will hold the meeting within 30 days of your written request.