NYSTCE Students With Disabilities Practice Test

What must a district obtain before evaluating a student for an initial referral?

1. Verbal consent from the parents

2. No consent is required

3. Written consent from the parents

4. Consent from the school board

The correct answer is: Written consent from the parents

A district must obtain written consent from the parents before evaluating a student for an initial referral. This requirement stems from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that parents have a right to be informed and to provide consent prior to the evaluation process. This consent ensures that parents are involved in the educational decisions impacting their child and that they have agreed to the assessment aimed at identifying any potential disabilities. This process places emphasis on collaboration and communication between the school and the family, recognizing the crucial role that parents play in their child’s education. Verbal consent is not sufficient because it does not provide the documentation needed to verify that parents have formally agreed to the evaluation, while the notion that no consent is required contradicts legal protections intended to safeguard family involvement. Similarly, consent from the school board is not necessary for individual evaluations, as the authority typically rests with the parents regarding their child's educational assessments and services.