The PPT process is specifically designed for potential and identified special education students . A PPT is composed of the child ’ s parent ( s ), a school administrator , classroom teacher , special education teacher , and a pupil services representative ( i . e ., speech / language pathologist , counselor , or school psychologist ).
Referrals of preschool age children for evaluation are generally made by physicians , hospitals , the Visiting Nurses Association , Head Start , day care centers , private nursery schools , and other child-oriented state or private agencies , as well as by parents . These referrals are reviewed at a PPT to determine what evaluations may be required . Upon completion of testing , the team reconvenes as a PPT to determine eligibility for special education programming and / or services .
Referrals of school age children for an evaluation may be made by their parents , teachers , principals , or counselors . However , no formal evaluation is conducted without a Planning and Placement Team meeting .
Dependent upon a student ’ s needs , school evaluation may be conducted for any of the following : intellectual level of functioning , academic achievement level , developmental age level , learning disabilities , reading ability , speech and language proficiency , or giftedness . Physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluations may also be administered with the medical authorization of the student ’ s physician .
These evaluations are administered by appropriate school staff including the school psychologist , school counselor , speech and language pathologist , occupational therapist , physical therapist , and special education teacher . Re-evaluations are conducted triennially for all students who receive special education .
THE PLANNING AND PLACEMENT TEAM PROCESS
Following an evaluation , a Planning and Placement Team meeting is held to review the testing and to determine the eligibility of the child for special education . Parents are considered essential members of the team and are strongly encouraged to attend all such meetings . No child will receive special education without the parent ’ s signature of consent to the initial placement by the PPT .
Pupil Services will act in an advisory capacity to the parents of any child who is identified as “ at risk ” but will not be 3.0 years old by September 1st to make them aware of agencies or programs which may be appropriate to their needs .
Once a student is receiving special education , annual reviews are held to determine continued eligibility and appropriateness of a program . A student may receive special
32 Family Handbook