When a child is being referred for Special Education assessment through the Saint Paul Public Schools the completed Pupil Performance Review Form should be reviewed by the building principal. As with all referrals district-wide, two documented interventions addressing the referral concern(s) are required prior to special education assessment. In addition, the school nurse should screen the child before the form is mailed.

 

The form should be mailed to:  

Mayra Mariscal

Office of Specialized Services

360 Colborne Street
St. Paul, MN 55102

 

Please encourage your staff to contact the psychologist assigned to your building to discuss referral concerns before filling out the Pupil Performance Review Form. Questions about the referral/assessment process can be addressed to Damion Smith, Lead Psychologist, at 651-744-8068.

 

Information for Parents of NonPublic Students 

Special Education Services for Students Attending NonPublic Schools

The Saint Paul Public Schools provides special education and related services to eligible students attending nonpublic schools with disabilities, as required by Section 34 CFR 300.134 of the regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Special Education and related services are provided to children identified as having a disability in one of the 13 disability categories:

● Autism Spectrum Disorder

● Blind—Visually Impaired

● Deaf Blind

● Deaf and Hard of Hearing

● Developmental Cognitive Disabilities

● Developmental Delay

● Emotional or Behavioral Disorder

● Other Health Disability

● Physical Disability

● Specific Learning Disability

● Speech or Language Impairment

● Traumatic Brain Injury

Children suspected of having a disability can be referred for a comprehensive special education evaluation by parents, administrators, teachers or other private school staff. The “child find” process initially involves gathering information about the child, his/her background and educational concerns. To make a referral contact the SPPS Office of Specialized Services at 651-767-8321.

An evaluation plan is created with input from parents and educational staff. Since the evaluation plan covers multiple domains, several professionals may be involved in completing the testing. The plan lists the areas to be assessed, evaluation tools to be administered, and the title of the professional assigned to complete the testing. Parents must sign in agreement with the evaluation plan before any testing begins. Once the evaluation plan is signed, the team has 30 school days to complete the testing and provide evaluation results to parents in the form of an Evaluation Report.

If the child qualifies for special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed that includes goals and objectives focused on educational needs identified in the evaluation. Services may include direct or indirect service as well as accommodations to general and special education. Progress reports and IEP meetings are held to inform parents and administrators of student growth. Parents must sign in agreement with the IEP before services can begin.

If direct special education services are listed in the IEP, the services are arranged and typically provided at a public school site as determined by the Saint Paul Public Schools. Additionally, Transportation from the private school to the public school is provided.