Referral, Evaluation and Eligibility

Sherman ISD's Child Find process identifies students who may need additional instructional services through a thorough evaluation after a student is recommended. A referral may be made by the parent or any person concerned about the child, and parental permission and agreement is sought before any action. An evaluation is at no cost to the family, and all information is confidential.

Any family who resides within Sherman ISD boundaries may submit a request for an evaluation at any time by email or hard copy to the principal of their child's school. If your child is too young to enroll in Sherman ISD, please send your request to the principal at the early childhood campuses or the district Child Find contact, Andrea Kennedy. Hard copies may be turned in at the SISD Service Center at 2701 Loy Lake Road addressed to Andrea Kennedy or Melissa Ramirez. In your request, please include what specific concerns you have regarding your child, and the areas of functioning you are requesting evaluation in (math, reading, behavior, communication, etc.).

Once a request for evaluation has been submitted, it is considered by campus support team or the Section 504 committee, depending on the student. If an evaluation is recommended, Sherman ISD must determine if it is needed within a reasonable amount of time, and if an evaluation is needed, the family will be offered to provide informed, written consent by the 15th day after the request is sent. The district must complete the evaluation and written report within 45 school days from when the written consent is received, and timelines may extend due to student absences. Parents will receive a copy of the evaluation.

If an evaluation is not needed, Sherman ISD will provide written notice stating why the student is not being evaluated. The explanation will inform parents of their rights and a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards.

To be eligible for special education services, a student must:

1. have a disability as defined by one or more of the 13 IDEA disability categories listed below; and
   • Auditory Impairment
   • Intellectual Disability
   • Autism
   • Multiple Disabilities
   • Deaf-Blindness
   • Other Health Impairment
   • Non-Categorical Early Childhood
   • Orthopedic Impairment
   • Emotional Disturbance
   • Speech Impairment
   • Learning Disability
   • Traumatic Brain Injury
   • Visual Impairment
2. because of the disability, require special education services

Students who have disabilities not covered by the IDEA or students with disabilities who do not require special education services are not eligible. However, a student with a disability may be eligible for supports and services under Section 504.