Which term refers to the process of testing and progress monitoring to determine if a student has a disability requiring special education?

• A. Assessment
• B. IEP Implementation
• C. FAPE
• D. Referral

Answer: (D)

Testing and progress monitoring to decide if a student needs special education are part of the evaluation, but the process starts with a formal referral. A referral is an official request to evaluate a student, triggering the gathering of information, parental consent, and the assessments that determine eligibility for special education. Without this triggering step, the testing and ongoing progress checks wouldn’t occur as part of a coordinated evaluation. By contrast, assessment is the actual data-collection activity, IEP implementation is putting the plan into practice, and FAPE refers to the right to a free, appropriate public education.