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Screenings/Evaluations

This notice is to inform parents of the child identification, location, screening, and evaluation activities to be conducted throughout the year by Western Heights Public Schools in coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Personally identifiable information shall be collected and maintained in a confidential manner in carrying out the following activities:

Readiness Screening

Screening activities may include vision, hearing, and health.  Other screening activities may include:  review of records and educational history; interviews; observations; and specially developed readiness or educational screening instruments.

Information is collected on all Pre-Kindergarten through first grade students participating in school-wide readiness screenings to assess readiness for Pre-Kindergarten through first grade entry. Results of the screening are made available to parents or legal guardians, teachers, and school administrators.

No child shall be educationally screened for readiness or evaluated without notice to the child’s parent or legal guardian. Parents may “opt out” of these screenings for their children by providing written notice the the building principal.

Educational Screening

Educational screening includes procedures for the identification of children who may have special learning needs and may be eligible for special education and related services.  Each school district in the state provides educational screening.  No child shall be educationally screened whose parent or legal guardian has filed written objection with the local school district.

  • Educational screening is implemented for all pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade students each school year.
  • Second through twelfth grade students shall be screened as needed or upon request of the parent, legal guardian, or teacher.
  • Students entering the public school system from another state or from within the state without previous educational screening, shall be educationally screened within 6 months from the date of such entry.

Referral

Preschool children ages 3 through 5 and students enrolled in grades K-12 who are suspected of having disabilities which may require special education and related services may be referred for screening and evaluation through the local schools.  Local school districts coordinate with the Sooner Start Early Intervention Program in referrals for identification and evaluation of infants and toddlers who may be eligible for early intervention services from birth through 3 years of age or for special education and related services beginning at 3 years of age.

The Oklahoma Area-Wide Services Information System (OASIS), through a toll- free number (1-800-42-OASIS), also provides statewide information and referrals to local schools and other service providers.

Evaluation

Evaluation means procedures used in accordance with Federal laws and regulations to determine whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs.  The term means procedures used selectively with an individual child and does not include basic tests administered or procedures used with all children in a school, grade, or class.  Written consent of the parent or legal guardian for such evaluation must be on file with the local school district prior to any child receiving an initial evaluation for special education and related services purposes.

Before any major identification, location, or evaluation, schools shall provide notice to parents.  Accommodations for other languages or means of communications may be provided upon request.  Such notice shall occur at least annually prior to conducting these activities and shall include the rights of parents under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Non-Discrimination Policies

It is the policy of Western Heights School District to provide equal opportunities.  The district does not discriminate in admission to or employment in any district educational program, including: Vocational/Information Technology programs, or activities on the basis of race, creed, national origin, color, religion, age, gender, disability, veteran or marital status or any other status recognized by law. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

It is the policy of the Western Heights School District to provide a free, appropriate public education to each disabled student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. The Western Heights School District assures that students who are disabled within a definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.  Students may be qualified under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

All procedural safeguards guaranteed to disabled students and their parents under Section 504 will be enforced. For further information regarding students with special needs, call the Special Services Office at 405-261-6730.