CSE Process

1. PRE-CSE INTERVENTION: VVS has a wide array of supports and interventions that can and should be utilized before a referral to the CSE is initiated. Each building has a team, Student Support Group (SSG), that meets specifically to examine student needs and to develop effective interventions. The interventions may include AIS services in ELA or Math, social work services, success plans, after school individual or group teacher support and gradually increasing “Responsiveness To Intervention” levels. This pre-CSE step is an important part of the CSE process, because if your child is evaluated by the CSE, the CSE is required to examine the quality of the interventions provided and your child’s response to those interventions. In fact, teachers are legally required to attempt and document interventions before referring to the CSE. Your child’s response to quality interventions provided before referral is an important diagnostic measure that the CSE will examine.
2. REFERRAL TO CSE: If a disability is suspected, a referral to the CSE can be completed by teachers or parents (or both together). The referral will include the reason why a disability is suspected, provide information about the student’s achievement levels, including performance on tests and grades, a description of the interventions that have been provided and the results of those interventions. After the CSE receives the referral, you will receive written notification that a referral has been made, a listing of your educational rights, and a request for your permission to begin testing.
3. EVALUATION: Once the CSE receives your written permission to conduct an evaluation, the CSE chairperson will initiate a team evaluation to determine the educational needs of your child and whether a disability exists. This team assessment will include the following:
   1. Social History: The social history is completed through parent interview with the school social worker and provides information about developmental, medical, and family issues that may be relevant to the child’s school performance.
   2. Psychological evaluation: This is a comprehensive evaluation that will provide information about how your child processes, understands and retains information. It also may provide information regarding how your child thinks and feels about school, classmates and their own abilities. The purpose is to gain greater understanding of your child.
   3. Classroom observation: This includes observation of your child’s classroom and your child’s performance in that setting. Your child’s classroom teacher cannot be the one making that observation.
   4. Achievement testing: This is conducted by our special education teachers and includes individual achievement testing in the areas listed as a concern (reading, written expression or math) in the referral to the CSE. It provides information regarding specific strengths and weaknesses and how your child performed compared with others that age.
   5. Special area testing (Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy) as needed.
   6. Review of academic history.
4. CSE FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS: Members of the evaluation team will review and discuss preliminary findings with parents. The CSE will schedule a meeting to review all of the findings of the evaluation team and to make recommendations regarding the educational needs of your child.