Pre-Referral Process

Prior to a referral for eligibility determination for special education, the student who is experiencing difficulties in the regular education program is referred to the Student Review Council (SRC) in the building. This council helps teachers to establish successful programs for "difficult to teach" students within the regular classroom. The principal of the school is responsible for ensuring that the pre-referral process occurs and that it is documented in the student's regular education record.

Any in-house student referral for special education eligibility must be preceded by referral to the Student Review Council. It is hoped that in some cases early intervention by Student Review Council and guidance counselors can prevent later referral to special education. This process must occur prior to referral for eligibility determination. Any parent can refer a student for eligibility determination at any time. When this occurs, the Special Education Team Chairperson and the Special Education Evaluation Team move forward simultaneously with their respective duties. In this way the student has the benefit of receiving modifications and supports as recommended by the SRC, the Special Education Team Chairperson as well as the Special Education Evaluation Team while awaiting the 45 day evaluation. Modifications recommended may include, but are not limited to modification of the curriculum, of teaching strategies, of teaching environments, of materials and of the use of support services, and/or consultative services. The pre-referral process may be as short as four weeks or as long as six weeks. All students, except preschool students, who are referred for eligibility determination, must undergo the pre-referral process.

If you need assistance from the Uxbridge Public Schools Department of Pupil Services, call 508-278-8648, Ext. 113 or e-mail  pupilservices@uxbridgeschools.com .