Pre-Referral Process

The parent(s)1 of a student will be contacted whenever there is a concern about their child’s academic, behavioral, or social-emotional performance. Concerns may be addressed in a Student Study Team (SST) meeting. An SST is a multi-disciplinary team that considers, plans, and assesses general education interventions and supports for students experiencing academic, speech/language, and/or social-emotional/behavioral difficulties. The purpose of the SST is to problem-solve and to identify supports in the general education setting to allow a student to be successful. Early intervention planning for students through the SST process is a function of the general education program. The SST process provides an opportunity for an in-depth focus on improving school success one student at a time. 

It is highly recommended that every LEA/district has an SST process in place. This process may be initiated by school staff or the parent/student. During an SST meeting, the Student Study Team will document concerns and current strategies being implemented or that will be implemented to attempt to address the student’s concerns related to their learning. Areas that are important to discuss and document during the SST meeting are: 

  • Developmental/medical history
  • Attendance/school enrollment history
  • Review of current hearing and vision results. vision, hearing
  • Social-Emotional skills
  • Behavior
  • Academics:
    • Current academic performance, results of past interventions, results of current interventions.
    • Current or past services provided by LEA/district and/or private provider.

For in-depth information regarding the SST process and other pre-referral considerations, please refer to the El Dorado SELPA's Student Study Teams Handbook.This comprehensive document includes the following helpful topics as well as several appendices and sample forms:

  • What is a Student Study Team (SST)? 
  • Who Participates on the SST Team 
  • SST Referral
  • SST Flowchart
  • Insufficient Student Progress
  • Legal Requirements
  • Parent/Guardian Referral for Special Education Assessment
  • Special Considerations for English Learners
  • Helpful Suggestions for Effective SST Meetings
  • Sample SST Interventions
  • Commonly Asked Questions

Please note: If a parent makes a written request for a special education consideration, the LEA/district must respond within 15 days. Should the LEA/district determine testing is merited, they should respond by sending an assessment plan and a Prior Written Notice (PWN), with a copy of Procedural Safeguards to the parent.

1The term “parent” refers to a natural parent, adopted parent, or legal guardian (EDC §49061). Any rights afforded to the parent are transferred to the adult student when they reach the age of majority (age 18), except in cases when a student with a disability has been deemed unable to make their own educational decisions under California Law. Therefore, references to the parent may also include adult students.