Special Populations FAQs - Ask our Subject Matter Expert

 

For schools to qualify a student for an IEP, they are required to show that the student has a significant need within the school environment that requires specialized instruction. The outside medical diagnosis is considered a part of the body of evidence but is not enough alone to prove need for specialized instruction within the school setting. For a 504, the evaluation process is less intensive, yet again, a medical diagnosis on its own is not enough to qualify a student for 504 accommodations. The evaluation must show that the student has significant limitation and that the need is demonstrated within the school setting.

 

 

The first step is to email your student’s advocate and share your concerns. The advocate will problem solve with you to support your student. In some cases, the teacher may recommend your student participate in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process for classroom intervention.

 

 

The Colorado Department of Education defines Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as a prevention-based framework of team-driven data-based problem solving for improving the outcomes of every student through family, school, and community partnering and a layered continuum of evidence-based practices applied at the classroom, school, district, region, and state level. The MTSS process is necessary before most students can be identified with a need for an IEP or 504. When a student is not progressing over time through classroom intervention (MTSS), an evaluation for an IEP or 504 may be conducted to investigate a potential disability. See our MTSS page for more information about the process. [insert link to MTSS page]