What is the process called for identifying students who may need special education services?

The process of identifying students who may need special education services is referred to as the referral and evaluation process. This process involves several important steps. First, a referral is made when a teacher, parent, or other concerned individual recognizes that a student may be experiencing difficulties that hinder their learning. Following this referral, an evaluation is conducted to gather comprehensive data on the student's abilities and challenges, which includes assessments designed to understand their academic performance, social skills, and behavior. This thorough evaluation ensures that decisions regarding special education services are based on specific, evidence-based information tailored to the individual needs of the student.

Other options might imply stages related to special education but do not accurately capture the specific steps involved in identifying students. For example, while assessment and placement suggest evaluating and placing students, it omits the critical initial step of referral. Identification and categorization may refer to recognizing the needs of students and categorizing them into specific groups but fail to highlight the systematic process necessary for providing appropriate educational interventions. Likewise, observation and documentation are important practices in understanding student behavior and progress, but they do not encompass the complete process of formal identification through referrals and evaluations.