Eligibility Criteria for Special Education Services

This article outlines the twelve definitions of special needs that can be assigned and the criteria for each determining each need exists. Although the article is concise it clearly explains the differences between the special needs and the criteria that defines those needs.

Important reading for teachers and parents so as to avoid mislabeling and to explain when labels should be used to address certain needs.

Evaluation and Eligibility for Specific Learning Disabilities

This article explains how students are assessed and determined to be eligible for specific learning disabilities, with discussions into topics like:

• Definition of "specific learning disability"
• Changes in laws from before IDEA 2004 and after in regards to learning disabilities
  
• Definition of "discrepancy requirement" in order to determine eligibility
  
• Definition of "Response to Intervention" in order to help students before receiving special services
• The steps to determine eligibility for learning disabilities
• Differences in how states handle learning disabilities
  

Eligiblity for Special Education Services at the Learning Disabilities Association of America

The Learning Disabilities Association of America lists the determination for eligibility for Special Education and related services with extra emphasis on learning disabilities. The site does not go into great detail on eligibility but it is helpful in answering initial questions in areas such as:

• When eligibility is determined
• Who determines eligibility
  
• What the team considers in order to determine eligibility
• Other procedures to evaluate students
• Other procedures to determine specific learning disabilities
• The two main components for a student to be eligible for special services
• Definition of "child with a disability"
• Definition of a child with developmental delays
• How to determine special services based on developmental delays
• Learning disabilities if identified with developmental delays
• Other possible designations