What criteria is typically used for determining eligibility for special education services?

Determining eligibility for special education services involves a comprehensive assessment of both the presence of a disability and the impact that disability has on a child's educational performance. This approach recognizes that simply having a disability does not automatically qualify a child for special education. Instead, it is crucial to evaluate how that disability affects the child's ability to benefit from the general education curriculum.

For example, a child might have a diagnosed learning disability that does not significantly hinder their academic achievement; in such cases, they may not need special education services. Conversely, a student with a minor disability might struggle considerably in school due to the way that disability manifests in their learning process. This emphasis on the relationship between the disability and educational performance ensures that special education resources are directed towards those who truly need them to access the curriculum effectively.

Focusing solely on the presence of a disability, academic performance alone, or the child’s age would not provide a complete picture and could lead to misidentifying which students require special education services.