What is required from parents prior to testing and placing a student into special education?

To place a student into special education, obtaining parental permission is a critical and legally mandated step in the process. This requirement emphasizes the importance of involving parents as decision-makers in their child's educational journey. It protects the rights of parents and ensures that they are fully informed and have consented to the evaluation and identification of their child for special education services.

In the special education process, parental permission is not just a formality but a necessary component that aligns with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law establishes that parents must be informed about the evaluation process and must provide consent before any assessments are conducted or special education services are offered. This ensures that parents are engaged in the process and acknowledge the implications of their child's placement.

Other options, such as verification of attendance, attendance at an information session, and completion of an exit interview, do not capture the active involvement of parents in the consent process for special education services. While these elements can be relevant to a student’s overall educational experience, they do not fulfill the legal requirement of obtaining parent permission for special education placement.