The purpose of the Woodlynne Child Study Team's evaluation is to determine if a student has a disability and is eligible for special education and related services. The criteria for making these judgments are outlined in the New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 6A, Chapter 14(N.J.A.C. 6A:14).  Please see the general CST process below.

1. Referral: A referral is the first step in the special education process.  It is a formal written request that a student be evaluated by the CST to determine whether an evaluation will be conducted and/or if a student is eligible for special education and related services.  A case manager is then assigned and the identification meeting is scheduled within 20 calendar days (excluding holidays).  The information is collected regarding the child’s educational process.

2. Identification Meeting: Participants include parent/guardian, all CST members, at least one of the student’s general education teachers. A decision is made as to whether a CST evaluation is warranted.

3. No Evaluation or Evaluation: If an evaluation is not deemed appropriate at this time, the student will return his current educational setting.  If an evaluation is deemed appropriate, an evaluation plan is written describing the required evaluations and parental consent is obtained.  The process begins and the evaluations are completed within 90 days.

4. Eligibility: Once evaluations are completed, an eligibility meeting is scheduled to determine whether the student is eligible for special education and related services.  The case manager or evaluator will review the evaluation results and answer all questions.  The case manager will discuss the rationale for determination of eligibility or non-eligibility.

5. IEP Meeting: Once a student has been found eligible for special education and related services or speech and language services, and IEP must be held.  This meeting is required before any special education services can commence.  The purpose of the meeting is to determine the student’s current educational status and develop a program designed to meet the student’s unique needs.  This meeting may be held immediately after the eligibility meeting with parent consent or within 15 days of the eligibility meeting.