Referring Students from Non-Public Schools

Procedures for Referring Students from Non-Public Schools
for Special Education Evaluation

A. Procedures for referring a student from non-public schools for a special education evaluation is the same as those used for a student in Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). The steps for referral are as follows:

1. Staff from the non-public school completes the Pupil Performance Review Form (PPRF).
2. Notify and obtain information from the parents of the intent to refer the student for special education evaluation.
3. Include the two documented interventions required by state law, completion of the health section by the nurse and other relevant areas.
4. All referrals, including speech referrals, are sent to:

Non-Public Referrals
1021 Bandana Blvd. East, Suite 131
St. Paul, MN 55108 Phone: (651) 293-8923

Note: Referrals should not be sent or given to the public school staff from the school where the non-public students receive service.

5. Referrals are assigned to the appropriate school psychologist or speech therapist. These SPPS staff screen and collect information about whether an evaluation should proceed. Screening involves:

a. Review of student’s cumulative folder
b. Contact with parent and teacher
c. Classroom observation (if necessary/appropriate)
d. Screening results are discussed.

6. Screening results are discussed by the SPPS service school’s Child Study Team. The parents may be invited to this meeting or their input is to be obtained by phone.

a. The team, with input from parents, determines areas to be evaluated.
b. The team designates an evaluator.
c. When a signed Notice of an Evaluation/Reevaluation is received, the SPPS staff completes the evaluation within 30 school days.
d. After the evaluation is completed, the IEP team meets to discuss the results of the evaluation and to determine eligibility for special education.

B. Parents requesting an evaluation must put their concerns in writing. Parent referrals are mailed to the same address as staff referrals. Staff from the referring school need to complete the Pupil Performance Review Form (PPRF).

In cases where the parents have expressed concerns, but have not put the concerns in writing, it is assumed the referral is coming primarily from the school.

C. Referral of a student who lives in another district but is attending a non-public school in Saint Paul is evaluated by SPPS staff. A reciprocal agreement/understanding with most districts regarding evaluations exists. The resident district should be informed of the referral. If eligibility is determined for special education services, the district of residence must be notified and invited to all IEP team meetings.

The above information is to be distributed to the non-public schools in the fall of each school year. The non-public school is notified regarding the psychologist assigned to the school. This person can be reached at (651)293-8923.

Pupil Performance Review Forms can be obtained from Special Education Resources at (651)293-8923.

All questions regarding the referral process should be directed to the SPPS Lead Psychologist at (651)293-8923.


Providing Special Education Services
To Students Attending Non-Public Schools

School districts are responsible for identifying students in non-public schools who have an educational disability. The public school district will provide special instruction and related services to students with disabilities enrolled in non-public schools located within the boundaries of the public school. Appropriate non-public school staff and parents will be invited to participate in the due process necessary to provide these services. The public education agency will provide services according to the following conditions:

• Parent or guardian of the student requests an evaluation and the student is determined eligible and in need of special education service;
  
  
• Special instruction is conducted during the regular school day in a public or neutral site unless otherwise approved by Director of Special Education;
  
  
• Instructional materials and equipment used in providing the special instruction remain under the control of the public school;
  
  
• Special Education services are provided by the public school staff who meet the standards of the state education agency;
  
  
• Special instruction and related services do not replace the existing level of services provided by the non-public school; and
  
  
• Expected benefits derived from the special instruction and related services for children enrolled in the non-public schools are similar to the expected benefits for public school students.