Children between the ages of 5 and 21 may receive services through the Committee on Special Education (CSE). The Duanesburg CSE provides a continuum of services to students who have been determined to be eligible for special education. Eligibility is determined when a student is found to have a significant delay in cognitive, language, articulation, fine motor, gross motor, social or emotional skills. The delay must affect the student’s ability to make educational gains in order to qualify the student for services.

Prereferral:
Prior to referral to the CSE, every effort must be made to utilize a variety of strategies and research based interventions. Parents should discuss their concerns with their child’s teacher(s). Teachers should document the strategies and interventions used, and seek additional ideas through the Child Study Team (CST) at the elementary school, and the Pupil Service Team (PST) at the middle and high school.

Referral:
A student may be referred to the CSE to determine eligibility only by the parent or the CSE Chairperson. Parents should first discuss their concerns with their child’s teacher. The school psychologist is also available to discuss concerns. If a parent does wish to refer their child for a formal evaluation, a letter should be sent to the CSE Chairperson requesting the evaluation and stating the area(s) of concern.

Others may request to make a referral to the CSE, including doctors, principals, teachers and therapists. The request for a referral must be accompanied by documentation including student work samples, CST/PST efforts, prior testing and all research based interventions. Interventions are steps that have been taken over and above the general instruction provided to the entire class. Interventions should include, but not be limited to, Academic Intervention Services.

No requests for referral will be accepted without prior parent notification.

The referral procedures have changed based on August 2008 changes to Part 200 of Education Law.

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