Evaluation Information

Evaluations of Students with Disabilities

If a parent believes that their child may have a disability, they should write to the Director of Special Education at COS. There are procedures in the charter school by which teams of teachers and parents can meet to discuss any concerns and proceed to evaluation steps, if necessary. Any formal evaluations proposed by the charter school require parental consent. If a child is found to be disabled and in need of special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed with parental participation. In compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Pennsylvania State Special Education Regulations, parents are ensured of confidentiality of all appropriate student and family information.

Students who have a disability and do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may need accommodations under the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These students will be evaluated to determine what accommodations may be needed to allow them access to any school-related activity. Interested parents should write a letter to the 504 Coordinator at COS.

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Independent Educational Evaluation

According to Part 300 of the Federal Regulations § 300.502 parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation at the charter school’s expense if they disagree with the evaluation completed by the charter school. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not an employee of the Circle of Seasons Charter School. Parents may be eligible to receive an IEE at the charter school’s expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation the charter school has conducted. A request for an IEE must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education within one year of the date issued on the charter school’s evaluation report.