Section 14.122. Screening

(a) Each school district shall establish a system of screening, which may include early intervening services, to accomplish the following:

(1) Identify and provide initial screening for students prior to referral for a special education evaluation.

(2) Provide peer support for teachers and other staff members to assist them in working effectively with students in the general education curriculum. To provide this support, school districts may implement instructional support teams according to Department guidelines or use an alternative process.

(3) Identify students who may need special education services and programs.

(b) The screening process must include:

(1) Hearing and vision screening in accordance with section 1402 of the School Code (24 P. S. § 14-1402) for the purpose of identifying students with hearing or vision difficulty so that they can be referred for assistance or recommended for evaluation for special education.

(2) Screening at reasonable intervals to determine whether all students are performing based on grade-appropriate standards in core academic subjects.

(c) Each school district may develop a program of early intervening services. In the case of school districts meeting the criteria in 34 CFR 300.646(b)(2) (relating to disproportionality), as established by the Department, the early intervening services are required and must include:

(1) A verification that the student was provided with appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (as defined in section 1208(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (20 U.S.C.A. § 6368(3)), and appropriate instruction in math.

(2) For students with academic concerns, an assessment of the student’s performance in relation to State-approved grade level standards.

(3) For students with behavioral concerns, a systematic observation of the student’s behavior in the school environment where the student is displaying difficulty.

(4) A research-based intervention to increase the student’s rate of learning or behavior change based on the results of the assessments under paragraph (2) or (3).

(5) Repeated assessments of achievement or behavior, or both, conducted at reasonable intervals, reflecting formal monitoring of student progress during the interventions.

(6) A determination as to whether the student’s assessed difficulties are the result of a lack of instruction or limited English proficiency.

(7) A determination as to whether the student’s needs exceed the functional ability of the regular education program to maintain the student at an appropriate instructional level.

(8) Documentation that information about the student’s progress as identified in paragraph (5) was periodically provided to the student’s parents.

(d) Screening or early intervening activities do not serve as a bar to the right of a parent to request an evaluation, at any time, including prior to or during the conduct of early intervening activities.

The provisions of this § 14.122 adopted June 8, 2001, effective June 9, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 3021; amended June 27, 2008, effective July 1, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 3575. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (279580) and (293071).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 14.122 amended under sections 1372 and 2603-B of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § § 13-1372 and 26-2603-B).